Structural modelling and optimization of multistable grid structures for the development of deployable composite booms

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This NSERC Alliance International Catalyst Grant proposes a collaboration between the University of Calgary and ETH Zurich in which a new class of lightweight multi-stable fibre-reinforced polymer composite structures will be developed for deployable boom applications. This partnership will utilize the complimentary expertise of the two institutions, with the University of Calgary providing novel and patented additive manufacturing technology and ETH Zurich exploring the potential design space using their expertise in analytical and numerical model development. The novelty of the proposed work lies in the new lightweight latticed structural architectures that can be produced via additive manufacturing and will open never-before achievable design spaces to structural engineers, essentially creating a new class of lightweight structures and associated structural models. The developed numerical models will reduce the amount of costly experimental work required to optimize a structure for performance indicators including stiffness, strength, weight, and packing volume. Experimental measurements will be used to validate the models, and a physical demonstrator will be built based on an optimized design resulting from the computational models. This research builds upon Canada's rich history in satellite technologies and is designed to maintain the country's position as a global leader through innovation and international collaboration. The project is expected to generate data and scientific evidence for the new structures and additive manufacturing approach that will help de-risk the adoption of this technology by potential industrial partners into application. This technology targets Canada's satellite sector, which comprises the major share of Canada's $5.5 billion space industry and the project will train HQP in important technical skills of materials engineering, advanced manufacturing, structural mechanics, and prepare them for impactful careers in Canada's high technology workforce by fostering both professional skills in communication, leadership, and EDI.