Geometrical-optics computer model of metal-knitted mesh for calculations of solar pressure on space deployable antenna reflectors

Yu. E. Geints, A. V. Klimkin, S. V. Latynsev, A. V. Ovchinnikov, I. V. Ptashnik, A. A. Solodov, A. M. Solodov, and E. N. Yakimov

A novel computer 3D model is presented for calculations of optical parameters (transmittance, reflectance, and absorbance) of a metal-knitted mesh textile as a structural element of deployable antenna reflectors for space satellites. The model is based on geometrical-optics ray tracing upon diffuse scattering of a broadband light source (Sun) at a complex knitted mesh structure with different inclinations to the radiative source. The proposed computer model is built for the special type of metal-wire textile (two-bar large void tricot) possessing extremely high transmittance and is verified by comparison with the experimental measurements of light scattering parameters of real antenna mesh samples of data-relaying satellites (Russian series “Loutch”). The model is used for calculations of solar radiation pressure exerted on a knitted mesh antenna reflector and gives the maximal pressure value of about 0.28  μN/m2.

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