Researchers Make Shelters Lighter by Blowing Them Up

摘要

Researchers are testing inflatable textile air beam technology to provide quick, lightweight, and easily constructed alternatives to current temporary aircraft shelters. The air beams are made with a lightweight, high- strength fiber outer material and a plastic inner tube, and are inflated to a high air pressure to provide a rigid frame. The shelters feature high strength under applied loads, high stiffness, low weight, and will withstand an overload without damage. Emergency personnel could rapidly deploy and erect these shelters during a natural emergency for temporary use as a command post or medical facility. (3 figures).