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HSC Boom Calculator

Interactive design tool for High Strain Composite booms based on Murphey, Brinkmeyer, and Prigent models.

Material System

Ref: LY556 Datasheet
Ref: Cured w/ XB3473
Approx. limit

Boom Geometry

Laminate Design

Stack Visualizer
# Angle Type Thick

Total t: 0.00 mm

Deployment Force

Cross-Section Properties

Ref: Yao et al. (Adds ~0.05mm thickness)
1st Natural Frequency
-- Hz
Linear Density
-- g/m
Bending Stiffness (EI)
--
N·m² (Global)

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).

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Stability: --
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Units: N·cm
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(Axial Load [N])
Theoretical
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Design Tip: A Stability Ratio of 6-10% is the Goldilocks zone. It ensures the boom stays coiled without help but retains enough energy to self-deploy.

< 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).

Boom Length
PV + Kapton
LEO/GEO Avg
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Single Boom Tip Mass

Maximum payload before Snap-Through Buckling (Mopp failure).
Ref: Murphey et al. (Source 509) & Scout Boom (Source 437).

Deployed Length
1G=Ground, 3G=Launch
Recommended: 2.0
Your Sensor Mass
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Snap-Through (Mopp)
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📌 Validation: Scout Boom (70cm, CF/Epoxy) rated at ~40g payload.

Experimental Validation

Enter Platen Test (Squeeze) data to see if your physical boom matches theory.

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Theoretical: --

Geometry Visualizer

Deployed Cross-Section
Stowed (Rolled)

Analysis Summary

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N·mm
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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).

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Min. Stall Torque
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Design Sensitivity

How changing your skin angle (currently 45°) affects the natural roll size.