HSC Boom Calculator
Interactive design tool for High Strain Composite booms based on Murphey, Brinkmeyer, and Prigent models.
Material System
Boom Geometry
Laminate Design
| # | Angle | Type | Thick |
|---|
Total t: 0.00 mm
Deployment Force
Cross-Section Properties
Structural Performance
⚡ Digital Twin Calibration
Enter lab test data to override theoretical model with experimental stiffness.
Load bearing analysis for deployed cantilever state.
Ref: Murphey et al. Eq. 5 (Buckling) & Yao et al. (Stiffness).
• < 4%: Strongly Bistable (might not self-deploy).
• 6-10%: Ideal Bistable Hybrid.
• > 12%: Monostable (will snap open).
Note: UD (Tape) cores increase longitudinal stiffness ($D_{11}$), which pushes the ratio HIGHER. Woven skins are often used to achieve lower ratios.
Smart Solar Blanket Sizing
Dual-limit analysis: Checks Deflection (droop) and Buckling
(Mopp snap-through).
Ref: Murphey et al. (Source 509) & Footdale (Source 437).
Single Boom Tip Mass
Maximum payload before Snap-Through Buckling (Mopp failure).
Ref: Murphey et al. (Source 509) & Scout Boom (Source 437).
Experimental Validation
Enter Platen Test (Squeeze) data to see if your physical boom matches theory.
Geometry Visualizer
Analysis Summary
Strain Energy Landscape
Theory: Minima in this curve represent stable states. If it slopes down to the right, the boom self-deploys.
Safety & Validation
Orange Dot: Your test point. If it's below the blue line, your boom is stiffer than predicted (check resin/thickness). If above, it's softer.
Precision Stowage Life (TTS)
Dynamic Time-Temperature Superposition model.
Ref: Brinkmeyer et al. (Prony Series Relaxation).
Design Sensitivity
How changing your skin angle (currently 45°) affects the natural roll size.