Design and mechanical analysis of satellite load-bearing plates with a diamond-like lattice structure

This study was inspired by the exceptional mechanical properties of diamond crystals. To meet the requirements for the specific stiffness and strength of satellite load-bearing panels, a lattice structure mimicking the single crystal structure of diamond has been designed. This lattice structure was employed in satellite load-bearing panels. The design and constituent elements of the lattice structure were first introduced. Subsequently, theoretical mathematical models for the relative density, in-plane compressive stiffness, and bending stiffness of a single lattice cell were established. Finite element simulations using Abaqus software were then conducted to analyze the in-plane compression and three-point bending of the satellite load-bearing panels filled with the designed lattice structure. Experimental tests were also performed to evaluate the mechanical responses of the panels under these two typical conditions. Finally, the study compared theoretical predictions, simulation analyses, and experimental results for in-plane compressive modulus and bending modulus, showing a high degree of agreement among the three, thereby verifying the accuracy of the theoretical mathematical models and finite element models. The results demonstrate that satellite load-bearing panels filled with the lattice structure meet the requirements for strength and stiffness, providing a novel and effective approach for the design of primary load-bearing structures in satellites.