Smart Solar Array Consisting of Shape-Memory Releasing Mechanisms and Deployable Hinges

Based on our previous successful material-level verification of a shape-memory polymer composite (SMPC) on the SJ-17 geostationary satellite on a geostationary orbit since November 2016, a structure-level smart solar array was developed in this study to further verify its overall performance on the SJ-18 geostationary satellite. The two-panel smart solar array based on shape-memory materials was designed and experimentally evaluated. The smart solar array consisted of two deployable solar panels, which were locked by one shape-memory alloy and two SMPC releasing mechanisms, and could be released by low shocking through electrical heating. The smart solar array was actuated and deployed using two groups of SMPC hinges. A series of tests was conducted to evaluate the main performance of the smart solar array. The tests included structural dynamics (folded state: sinusoidal sweep vibration, shocking, acceleration, and noise; and deployed state: mode, sinusoidal sweep vibration, and flexibility), thermal design, locking and releasing, and deployment. This smart solar array satisfied the design requirements, including the fundamental natural frequency in a folded state at 80 Hz, maximum the locking force at 2000 N. Based on the structure-level systematical evaluation, the SMPC shows prospect to be used in next-generation superlarge deployment structures.