Review on the bistable composite deployable slit tubes

Bistable composite deployable slit tubes can be stable both in the extended and rolled-up states. Their simple structure, good packaging properties, and high reliability are key attractions for space applications. Aiming to the bistable composite deployable slit tubes, the analytical models for the mechanisms of bistable and predictions of the two stable configurations are introduced initially. The basic ideas and characteristics of each analytical model are discussed. Then the main methods used to analyze the coiling and uncoiling progress are presented. After that advances in applications of bistable slit tubes in aerospace field are outlined. Some key problems are discussed to better understand the design space of slit tubes for deployable space structures finally.