• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
• /
• v.47 no.10
• /
• pp.712-719
• /
• 2019

This paper explores an implementation of finite element analysis and experiment in the design process of a tape spring hinge used for various CubeSat missions. Tape spring hinges consist of short-length hardened-steel strips with one-sided curvature, and thus the behavior is subject to large deformation with unpredicted non-linearity. Precise dimensions of a commercial tape spring are traced by the use of high-resolution digital camera, and thin-shell FEM analysis is conducted using ABAQUS program. Based on the rotation-moment analysis suggested in previous studies, parametric analysis is conducted by adjusting the contributing factors such as strip thickness and the subtended angle of the cross section. Finally the behaviors are investigated by both analytical and non-linear finite element methods, and the results are compared with the simple measurements. Further studies suggest a possible application in dynamic characteristics of hinges during CubeSat operations.