Adaptive Structures Research at ISAS, 1984-1990

This article reviews the research and development on adaptive structures and intelligent structural systems done by the structures and structural dynamic group at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) from 1984 to 1990. Our activity is closely linked to the practical needs for actively controlled structures on board scientific satellites and interplanetary vehicles which ISAS launches annually. The subjects described here are: the proposal of novel structural concepts such as the variable geometry truss, the adaptive structure and the tension truss antenna; the proposal of vibration control schemes for flexible structures and the shape control scheme for precision antenna reflectors; and the study on construction of large space structures by assembling adaptive structures.