Temperature effect on large deformation of bistable deployable composite boom

The bistable deployable composite boom (Bi-DCB) can achieve bistable function by storing and releasing strain energy, which has a good application prospect in space field. For example, it serves as the main support section of deployable structures (e.g., solar arrays and solar sails). This paper investigates the temperature effect on the bistable behavior of the Bi-DCB through analytical and numerical methods. Based on the Archimedes helix shape function, the geometrical model of the Bi-DCB was established. Using the energy principle, an analytical model for predicting the bistable behavior of Bi-DCB under the temperature effect was proposed. Then, a Finite Element Model (FEM) was established to validate the analytical model. The results of analytical model were compared with those of the FEM, and the two were in good agreement. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the temperature effect on the bistable behavior of the Bi-DCB, which can inform its space-based applications.