A novel surface division method and surface accuracy measurement for parabolic truss-type deployable antenna mechanism

Surface division research is crucial for improving the surface accuracy of large-diameter parabolic deployable antennas. To achieve higher surface accuracy, a procedural surface division method based on combined geometric shapes is proposed. First, the configuration design of the parabolic deployable antenna mechanism is carried out, and a mathematical model for surface division is established. Next, numerical computation software is used to validate the procedural division model, enabling the procedural division of the antenna's surface. A prototype of the deployable antenna mechanism’s composite element is then developed, and a comparative analysis of the surface and the procedural division results is conducted to confirm the feasibility of the proposed method. Finally, surface accuracy measurements are performed based on the physical prototype, and error analysis is conducted by comparing experimental scanning results with the 3D model, further verifying the accuracy of the surface division method. The research results offer new insights into the division of reflective surfaces for parabolic truss-type deployable antennas and provide a theoretical foundation for the development of deployable antennas with larger diameters and higher precision.