Structural evaluation of ultralight solar sails and sunshades under different load conditions

Sammanfattning

Solar sails are an innovative propulsion mechanism for space exploration, harnessing the momentum of photons from the Sun to propel spacecraft. As material science advances and launch costs continue to fall, opportunities utilising the novel characteristics of solar sails become more and more feasible. Due to the inherit connection between mass and acceleration, it is of great importance to reduce mass to gain acceleration. This thesis investigates the structure of solar sails and provides an analysis of the forces they encounter. The study examines the forces acting on circular solar sails in space, as well as the unique challenges they face on Earth and during the launch phase. The membrane and supporting composite structure is analysed using mathematical models in MATLAB in order to develop and optimize structures for strength and reduced mass. Dimensioning forces were found and a preliminary structure discussed. By understanding these forces, it is possible to optimize the design and deployment of solar sails, paving the way for more efficient space missions.