Analysis of winding and loosening of multiple tape Springs

When tape Springs are applied in the form of winding and stretching in spatially deployable structures, the problem of loosening offen occurs. Here, a multi-tape spring winding and loosening model was proposed, in which a loosened winding segment was divided into an external Archimedean spiral expansion zone and an internal semi-circular arc transition zone, and a strain energy analytical model was established. According to the principle of minimum potential energy, stable loosening inner diameter and stable loosening form were solved, and critical center body radius, stable tip force and critical tip force were derived. A finite element model for multi-tape spring winding and loosening was established using the Software ABAQUS, and the numerical analysis results of stable loosening inner diameter, stable loosening form, critical center body radius and critical tip force were compared with the theoretical model calculation results. Tests were conducted to verify stable loosening form and stable loosening inner diameter, and prove the correctness of the theoretical model. © 2025 Chinese Vibration Engineering Society. All rights reserved.