Proposal of an Analysis Method Using the Nonsmooth DEM Approach for Space Membrane Deployment Structures with Experimental Validation

Membrane deployment structures are used in spacecrafts due to their lightweight nature and high stowage efficiency. Currently, numerous analytical methods have been proposed to model the behavior of such flexible structures. However, the complex dynamics of membrane deployment in space lead to high computational loads in conventional analysis methods. Thus, there is a need to develop a low-cost, computationally efficient method that can accurately reproduce membrane deployment dynamics. This study proposes an analytical approach applying the Nonsmooth DEM to analyze membrane motion modeled by particle systems, aiming to reduce computational cost. To evaluate this method, both simulation and ground-based experiment were conducted using a mesh structure that simulates flexible membrane. Comparison of experimental and simulation results indicated that the proposed method was validated as an approach for analyzing membrane deployment structures.