Analytical model for predicting folding stable state of bistable deployable composite boom

Bistable Deployable Composite Boom (Bi-DCB) can achieve bistable function by storing and releasing strain energy, which has a good application prospect in space field. For example, it serves as the main support section of deployable structures (e.g., solar arrays and antennas). This paper investigates folding stable state of Bi-DCB through the analytical method. Based on Archimedes’ helix and energy principle, an analytical model for predicting folding stable state of Bi-DCB was presented. The failure index of Bi-DCB in folding stable state were analyzed using the Tsai‐Hill criterion and the maximum stress criterion. Then, a 2400 mm long Bi-DCB was fabricated using autoclave method. The prediction results of the proposed model were compared with experiments and results of two other analytical models. It is shown that the proposed model shows good prediction accuracy. Finally, the effect of geometric parameters on folding stable state of Bi-DCB was further investigated with the aid of the proposed model.