Deployable Shell Structures With Shape-Control Actuators

Advanced control systems that include built-in smart-material elastic-deformation structural actuators have been proposed for deployable thin-shell structures that are required to be maintained in precise shapes once deployed. This approach to structural shape control was conceived to enable the development of lightweight telescope mirrors, radar reflectors, and the like that could be stowed compactly for launching and transport, then deployed in outer space to required precise shapes at much larger dimensions (of the order of 10 m). The concept may also be applicable to similar, but probably smaller structures for terrestrial use.