Abstract
This paper describes a novel deployment method for rollable spacecraft booms that is suitable for high-force and precision deployment applications where reliability and low mass are critical. The piezoelectric linear shear motor controls and constrains the boom at the deployer exit with longitudinal and shear actuators through a 'pinch and push' process. This design eliminates the 'blossoming' failure mode and produces a less massive device that does not generate a magnetic field. Simulation and testing are used to evaluate the major limitation of rollable boom slippage through the device. The force at which this scenario occurs is dependent upon the friction force exerted between the tape-spring and linear motor, and hence can be characterised by the coefficient of static friction and the normal force acting between the linear motor and the rollable boom. The piezoelectric linear shear motor provides a high-force, high-precision, easily scalable deployment method.