Spine structures

DaveS · 1st June 2019, 01:48 PM

Hey all.

So I am trying to create a 3D model of the Space Shuttle Ku band antenna (this is the structure you can see extending from the forward-right corner of the cargo bay in on-orbit photos). I've hit a bit of a stumbling block on this and that is the spines at the back of the 36" diameter reflector dish. These spines are what gives the dish (it's made of an aerospace-grade graphite-epoxy composite material) the strength required for it survive launch.

Does anyone have any efficient way of making these spines? I have attached two photos of the Ku band antenna on the orbiter Endeavour that shows the spines.

1st June 2019, 01:48 PM	#1
DaveS Member Expert member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 52	Spine structures Hey all. So I am trying to create a 3D model of the Space Shuttle Ku band antenna (this is the structure you can see extending from the forward-right corner of the cargo bay in on-orbit photos). I've hit a bit of a stumbling block on this and that is the spines at the back of the 36" diameter reflector dish. These spines are what gives the dish (it's made of an aerospace-grade graphite-epoxy composite material) the strength required for it survive launch. Does anyone have any efficient way of making these spines? I have attached two photos of the Ku band antenna on the orbiter Endeavour that shows the spines. Attached Thumbnails