On-Orbit Shape Correction of Inflatable Structures

Piezo induced deformations are proposed as a means of achieving a higher degree of on-orbit surface accuracy of inflatable antennas. A series of tests were performed on an inflated circular membrane and an inflated tube, both made of off-theshelf piezo film. The same configurations were also analyzed to validate the tests. The concept was demonstrated qualitatively in spite of a discrepancy between the analysis and test results, most likely due to inaccurate knowledge of the piezoelectric coefficients of the film. Numerical simulations are also reported herein, which demonstrate the piezocontrol of an antenna design concept. A parametric study is carried out to determine the most effective distribution of actuators and their optimal gains required to correct given aberrations in the surface of the antenna. The proposed approach is generally suitable for making small local adjustments in the shape of the antenna.