Analysis of the repeatability of a deployable space tri-prism mast based on the Monte Carlo method

Space deployable mast, which is a supporting mechanism, especially for a space telescope, requires high repeatability. In this study, a deployed space tri-prism mast was taken as the research object, and the change of a tensional cable’s tension force was equivalent to an external load. Based on the accurate stiffness model of the mast, the repeatability of the tri-prism mast was calculated by using the Monte Carlo method. Then, the influences of the number of units, the change in the tension force, the thickness of the linkage, and the radius of the tensional cable on the repeatability of the tri-prism mast were studied. Moreover, the correctness of the analytical model was verified by the repeatability experiments. Results demonstrated that the proposed method could be used to analyze the repeatability of tri-prism mast. This study provided references and suggestions for the design of high-precision space deployable mast.