Inflatable structures are really effective because they offer small volume requirements, low costs, low cost flight hardware, low weight and easy use. These characteristics allow a better use of payload space onboard launchers, with the consequence of cost reducing. This technology allows to lift solar panels, solar shields, habitat modules for space stations, solar sails etc. The aim of the study is to test sample materials to build linear, stiff structures in low gravity conditions using polymeric foams. The structure is formed by a pressurized cylindrical balloon surrounded by polymeric foam, confined by an external plastic skin. The structure is similar to a tube formed by rigid foam. Under microgravity conditions, the foam diffusion inside the cavity is driven exclusively by the pressure applied and by the physical-chemical properties of the materials used. Compression tests show that the average stress-strain curve of the samples realised in microgravity is better than the one measured for one-g samples. Moreover the zero-g samples show a better isotropy.
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