Form-Finding Analysis of Mesh Reflector of Large Parabolic Cylindrical Antenna

In this study, a hybrid iteration force density method (HIFDM) was proposed to ensure both tension uniformity and accuracy of an antenna mesh reflector. Based on a genetic algorithm (GA), the boundary cable tension of the antenna reflector net was optimized, which further improved the precision of the antenna mesh reflector. The static model of the large deployable structure was established using the finite element method (FEM), and thus, an iterative strategy for form-finding of the antenna reflector net was proposed, which considered the influence of the elastic deformation of the deployable structure. The results showed that the HIFDM was effective for the form-finding of the antenna mesh reflector, and the shape precision was improved by further optimization using the GA. Finally, it was noted that the elastic deformation of the deployable structure will reduce the uniformity of cable tension and affect the precision of antenna reflectors. Due to the large-scale and soft stiffness, the large deployable structure had a high sensitivity to cable pretension, and it is important to design a reasonable cable pretension to ensure the accurate shape of antenna mesh reflectors.