Approximate altered stiffness of the spring



Kj-= (2.30)
 n

As this is not an accurate but an approximated solution, the value of Kj should be used in

2.42 and iterated until the accurate value is obtained. Similarly, the stiffness of all

springs in the corresponding layers is determined. The Matlab program "PROG3" as

shown in the appendix A, is used to perform these calculations.

2.4.4 Forces Acting on the Hinge

Forces on the hinge when the structure is fully deployed

 F = Kdmin

 Fx = Kdmin cos45

 Fy = Kdmin sin45

Forces on the hinge when the structure is fully stowed

 F = K((Lmax- Lmin) +dmin)

 Fx = K((Lmax- Lmin) +dmin) cos90

 Fy = K((Lmax- Lmin) +dmin) sin90

Forces on the hinge during deployment

 F = K ((Lmax- L) +dmin) (2.31)

 Fx = K((Lmax- Li) +dmin) cosOi (2.32)

 Fy = K ((Lmax- Li) +dmin) sin i (2.33)

Where, Fx and Fy are the forces in the x and y direction as shown in Figure 2-10., while

F is the resultant force. Li and 0i are determined from the equations (2.10) and (2.12)