Analysis of the deformed shape of a heliogyro solar sail blade taking into account stress-dependent reflectivity of the material

The influence of mechanical stresses on the optical characteristics of thin-film materials plays an important part in the performance analysis of solar sails. Until recently, this analysis has not been performed. The equilibrium equation of a heliogyro solar sail blade is deduced for the case of a linear dependence of the reflectivity on tensile stresses. The deformed shape of a solar sail blade is calculated taking into account stress-dependent reflectivity. It is compared with an ideal surface obtained without taking into account this dependence. The proposed approach is suggested to be used when developing an accurate model of the deformed and thermal state of a heliogyro solar sail.

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