Tape spring for deployable space structures: A review

Developments in communication technology call for antenna sizes to be greater than two meters. This has made it necessary to use deployable structures, particularly in space applications. Deployable structures can make major configuration changes on their own. The most common configuration change is from a packed, compact state on the ground during the launch to a deployed large state in space. A tape spring is a flexible straight strip with curved thin-walled structures similar to a carpenter's tape. High specific stiffness, ease of deployment, and simple geometry are some of the unique features of tape springs that make them highly suitable for deployable space structures. Several developments and studies have been devoted to the area of the application of tape springs in deployable structures. The objective of the present paper is to review the developments in this domain and systemize the findings into broader areas, viz., folding and deployment analysis, strain energy storage, viscoelastic effect, stability, and optimization of tape spring. Space missions containing the deployable tape spring have been briefly outlined. It is expected that this comprehensive review will be of help to formulate future streams of study in this important area.