MATERIALS AND WALL CONCEPTS FOR UV-CURABLE INFLATABLE SPACESTRUCTURES

摘要

Inflatable space structures for satellite applications canbe built in a number of different ways based on avariety of technologies. However most of the proposedsolutions are quite demanding on satellite resourceswhile their potential extension to complex 3Dconfiguration is often questionable. The objectivepursued in this study has focused on the developmentof structures that may be large and geometricallycomplex with low satellite operational requirements.For these applications the structure wall is a laminatethat basically consists of three elements: the bladderwhich retains the gas internal pressure, the compositeprepreg and a thermal control layer. The materialsselection and wall construction have been reviewed forthe interesting case where ultra-violet (UV) curableresin prepregs are used. The concepts includeconfigurations with restraint layers, woven cylinders ormechanically assembled fabrics and braidedcomposites. In all cases the solutions that have beeninvestigated in this study require no electric powerfrom the spacecraft either to provide electric heating orinternal lighting.It is shown that in order to meet the above objectives aspecific effort has to be made on material development.Standard fiberglass fabrics or braided constructionscannot fulfill all requirements, in particular regardingassembly. The thermal control layer is another area thatwould benefit of new developments and this aspect isalso assessed in view of the structural stabilityrequirements. Representative cylindrical samples ofsome of these solutions have been built and tested.They have enabled to compare the merits andlimitations of the selected options.