Numerical simulation and flattening tests of compression and pulling of lenticular thin-walled tubular space booms

Space mast is one of the basic deployable space structures which is widely used and studied. First, the work mechanism of compression and pulling flattening of thin-walled tube was analyzed. Then, a numerical simulation method was proposed, and a comparative analysis was performed thoroughly of the structural behavior, including the stress, strain, and load-displacement variation. After that, the test of thin-walled tube flattening by compression and pulling were conducted, and the test results were verified with numerical simulation. Finally, the detailed test results were presented, such as strain, tip displacement, and a numerical simulation was performed for the test. The results indicate that the numerical simulation is effective and correct. Large displacement with small strain appears in flattening. Meanwhile, the stress, strain and load-displacement vary similarly in flattening by compression and pulling. This paper is valuable for the optimization design of lenticular thin-walled tube.