Methodology for Developing a Ribbing Scheme of a Reflector of a Mirror Space Antenna Using Topological Optimization
Published: 26.10.2026
Authors: Kazarinov M.Yu., Prosuntsov P.V.
Published in issue: #10(178)/2026
Category: Aviation and Rocket-Space Engineering | Chapter: Strength and Thermal Conditions of Aircraft
A review of existing structural solutions used in the design of reflectors of mirror space antennas (RMSA) is conducted. The requirements imposed on RMSAs are considered. It is noted that there is currently no methodology for designing the reflector structure that would allow selecting a rational scheme of reinforcement of the reflector shell with minimal time expenditure. A new methodology for developing the structural-power scheme of a reflector based on the application of topological optimization methods is presented. The main distinguishing feature of the methodology is the joint solution of optimization and radiation-conduction heat transfer problems. At the same time, the methodology allows taking into account that the reflector is manufactured from anisotropic materials. The approach is based on the iterative solution of topological optimization and radiation-conduction heat transfer problems. The method has been tested in the development of ribbing for a reflector intended for operation in geostationary orbit. A comparison of the obtained structural-power scheme of the reflector with structures of similar size and orbit parameters is carried out. It is shown that the proposed approach allows reducing the weight of the reflector structure while increasing its stiffness.
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