Electrical Performance Analysis and Prediction for Complex Mesh Based on Model Angles

The metallic mesh serves as a reflecting surface on deployable reflector antennas for satellites. Electrical properties differ for meshes with different knitting patterns. Also, pattern shapes vary at different tensions due to the elasticity of the mesh. Furthermore, mesh models for electrical performance analysis become more challenging to construct as the mesh knitting patterns become more intricate. A method based on model angles and diagonals is developed in this paper to overcome the aforementioned problems. First, procedures for building a mesh model are described. Then three mesh models of the single Atlas mesh, the single Satin mesh, and the Max mesh are built. The corresponding performance variations are observed and stabilities are compared. Moreover, the wire diameter for the mesh model is determined by measuring the reflectance of the Max mesh and comparing it with simulation results. Afterward, correlations between the reflectivity and incident angles are presented. In addition, the reflectance and transmittance at different incidence angles are measured. Measured results align well with simulated results. It verifies the accuracy of the simulated characteristics and the value of the mesh model in understanding mesh electrical properties.