Multifunctional and dimensionally stable flexible fibre composites for space applications

摘要: Abstract Large deployable reflectors typically use knitted metal mesh reflecting surfaces. Knitted meshes are characterized by excellent stowability properties. For the operation, have to be tensioned, which leads much lower accuracy. In order keep advantages of but enhancing shape accuracy, a flexible surface material composed carbon fibre reinforced silicone (CFRS) has been developed and investigated. Due its low bending stiffness determined matrix, composite can manufactured easily with double curvature nearly ideal parabolic shape. Compared conventional stiff matrix composites, give high accurate curved surfaces, an additional functionality is acquired using matrix. The this allows for easy stowing deployment. Because fibres, CFRS very thermal expansion coefficient (measured calculated about −0.36e–6/°C) no moisture absorption or micro-cracking effects even under strong environmental cycles. These points indicate dimensional stability material. Results obtained from different thermo-mechanical radio-frequency (RF) characterization tests such surfaces confirm expected behaviour. measured RF properties, as insertion loss, cross-polarization, reflectivity, passive inter-modulation (PIM), show that created used up 15 GHz RF. Higher frequencies achieved in cases. Several application examples addressed further paper.