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Design and analysis of multifunctional composite structures for nano-satellites
Author(s)
Ball, Jeffrey Craig
Date Issued
2017
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to investigate the applications of multifunctional compos-
ite (MFC) technology to nano-satellite structures and to produce a working concept
design, which can be implemented on future Cube-Satellites (CubeSats). MFC tech-
nologies can be used to optimise the performance of the satellite structure in terms
of mass, volume and the protection it provides. The optimisation of the structure
will allow further room for other sub-systems to be expanded and greater payload
allowance. An extensive literature view of existing applications of MFC materials has
been conducted, along with the analysis of a MFC CubeSat structural design account-
ing for the environmental conditions in space and well-known design practices used in
the space industry. Numerical analysis data has been supported by empirical analysis
that was done where possible on the concept material and structure. The ndings
indicate that the MFC technology shows an improvement over the conventional alu-
minium structures that are currently being used. Improvements in rigidity, mass and
internal volume were observed. Additional functions that the MFC structure o ers
include electrical circuitry and connections through the material itself, as well as an
increase electromagnetic shielding capability through the use of carbon- bre composite
materials. Empirical data collected on the MFC samples also show good support for
the numerical analysis results. The main conclusion to be drawn from this work is that
multifunctional composite materials can indeed be used for nano-satellite structures
and in the same light, can be tailor-made to the speci c mission requirements of the
satellite. The technology is in its infancy still and has vast room for improvement
and technological development beyond this work and well into the future. Further
improvements and additional functions can be added through the inclusion of various
other materials.
ite (MFC) technology to nano-satellite structures and to produce a working concept
design, which can be implemented on future Cube-Satellites (CubeSats). MFC tech-
nologies can be used to optimise the performance of the satellite structure in terms
of mass, volume and the protection it provides. The optimisation of the structure
will allow further room for other sub-systems to be expanded and greater payload
allowance. An extensive literature view of existing applications of MFC materials has
been conducted, along with the analysis of a MFC CubeSat structural design account-
ing for the environmental conditions in space and well-known design practices used in
the space industry. Numerical analysis data has been supported by empirical analysis
that was done where possible on the concept material and structure. The ndings
indicate that the MFC technology shows an improvement over the conventional alu-
minium structures that are currently being used. Improvements in rigidity, mass and
internal volume were observed. Additional functions that the MFC structure o ers
include electrical circuitry and connections through the material itself, as well as an
increase electromagnetic shielding capability through the use of carbon- bre composite
materials. Empirical data collected on the MFC samples also show good support for
the numerical analysis results. The main conclusion to be drawn from this work is that
multifunctional composite materials can indeed be used for nano-satellite structures
and in the same light, can be tailor-made to the speci c mission requirements of the
satellite. The technology is in its infancy still and has vast room for improvement
and technological development beyond this work and well into the future. Further
improvements and additional functions can be added through the inclusion of various
other materials.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.
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211207128-Ball-Jeffrey Craig-M.Eng-Mechanical-Engineering-Eng-2017.pdf
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