Design and analysis of a triangular prism modular deployable mast

The design of a triangular prism modular deployable mast applied in outer space is introduced in this paper. Its configuration with high efficiency of stowage and locked pattern is proposed. Operating principle of the mast is raised as well. The geometry characteristics are discussed and its maximum possible folding ratio is analyzed in detail. The kinematics equations of any point on the mast are established and its deploying process is simulated to understand the regulation during deploying. The statics relationships between linkages and diagonal wires are discussed in detail. The expressions of statics parameters such as axial stiffness, bending stiffness, trosional stiffness of the deployable mast are constructed. The changing regulation of stiffness of the mast with its geometry parameters is analyzed, concluding the triangular prism modular deployable mast has a high stiffness and can be applied in space exploration.