Fabrication and validation of collapsible composite lenticular tubes

The paper seeks to address practical and novel techniques on fabrication and validation of collapsible and deployable lenticular tube, successfully completing function tests. From the practical conditions, a thin ply laminated system is designed. By using finite element analysis (FEA) code, numerical simulation on axial compression critical load of collapsible lenticular tube is conducted to verify design indexes. The collapsible lenticular tubes are manufactured by using the vacuum-bag molding and co-bonding process and then are employed for the flattening, curling and reconversion tests in room temperature to verify their functions. Finally, based on the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) photographs and Infrared (IR) spectra, the function mechanism of the tube is analyzed and discussed. It is shown that the thin ply laminate and collapsible lenticular tube meet the function requirements.