Development of an Inflatable Self-Rigidizing Space Shelter and Solar Collector from Honeycomb Sandwich Material

摘要

Properties which are obtainable by the curing of polymer systems by various applicable techniques were rapidly evaluated and a resin system for use in this concept of rigidization of expandable space structures was developed. An extensive search of the weaving industry revealed that no one can presently weave an actual honeycomb sandwich material that is completely flexible and has the faces woven as an integral part of the sandwich. Several fabrics which closely resembled a true honeycomb were used in the fabrication of the desired items. The final items of the development program were a lightweight, expandable, self-rigidizing 5 ft. diameter solar collector and a lightweight, expandable self-rigidizing 7 ft. diameter by 7 ft. high cylindrical space shelter. Both final items were rigidized by vapor phase catalysis of a chemical rigidizing resin system. The study revealed that it is feasible and even desirable to design, fabricate, and rigidize flexible, self-rigidizing solar collectors and shelters for space application using a honeycomb type sandwich material as the basic structural material. (Author)