For the given mast,


 Number of levels N [must be an integer] (3.5)
 Hi

 Number of rectangular plates C = 3(N + 1) (3.6)

 Weight of the strut Ws = 9.81 (m/sec2)(Mts + Mbts) (3.7)

 Weight of the plate Wp = 9.81 (m/sec2)Mp (3.8)

 H2 2)
 Length of strut when deployed Lmax = ( + L 2).5 (3.9)
 N

 Length of the strut when stowed Lmin = Lp

 Length of the strut at any position Zi Li = (Zi2 + H1 2).5

3.4.1 Minimum Stiffness and Deflection of the Spring

 The springs closest to the fixed link have the highest stiffness value while the

springs farthest from the fixed link have the least stiffness value. The springs closest to

the fixed link have to move the maximum mass against gravity hence they have the

highest stiffness compared to the other levels (Figure3-2 to Figure3-4). For any level, at

any instant of position Zi, where Hi is the height of every single level

Working deflection of strut from its maximum length dw = (Lmax-Li) (3.10)


Angle of Strut Oi= (tan- X ) (3.11)


The minimum deflection of spring dmin, is not taken into account in equation (3.10).

Hence at any instant of position Zi, the deflection of spring (di) is

 di = dw + dmin (3.12)

 For successful deployment the force in the z direction at the deployed state should

not be less than the force applied by the springs in the z direction at the point from which