Inverse finite element-based shape reconstruction method for large-scale space antenna

Abstract

Abstract. Large-scale space antennas will experience rapid temperature changes and non-uniform temperature distribution during orbit operation. These thermal excitations will lead to unpredictable deformation of the antenna. To ensure its normal operation, real-time and reliable shape monitoring of the antenna is necessary for further array correction and compensation. The structural shape reconstruction method based on strain information and fiber Bragg grating sensors is one of the most potent methods. This paper proposed an inverse finite element-based shape reconstruction method with variable element size for a honeycomb sandwich antenna panel under changing and non-uniform temperature environment. The size of the inverse finite element is optimized by the displacement gradient, which reduces the total number of elements and improves the efficiency of the shape reconstruction algorithm. The proposed method is validated with a honeycomb sandwich antenna panel numerically and experimentally.