The Multipurpose Expandable Module Concept for future Space missions and overall description on the material validation
- Paper number
IAC-05-C2.6.05
- Author
Mr. Sandro Mileti, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy
- Coauthor
Prof. Mario Marchetti, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy
- Coauthor
Ms. Grazia Bitetti, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The future space exploration missions aim to reduce the costs associated with design, fabrication and launch for ISS, Moon or Mars modules, while simultaneously increasing the useful volume. Flexible composite inflatable structures offer many advantages over conventional structures for space applications. Principal among the advantages is the ability to package inflatable structures into small volumes for launch. Design maturation and the development of advanced materials and fabrication processes have made the concept of an inflatable module achievable in the near future. The Multipurpose Expandable Module (MEM) Project links the conventional and traditional technology of modules with the innovative solutions of inflatable technology. The new approach to this technology focuses on the resolution of the conjunction aspects between hard and soft parts. The MEM has been designed using advanced textiles and sheets in order to guarantee the structural reliability necessary for deployment and packaging configurations. The non-linear structural analysis has been achieved using the SAMCEF MECANO Code that simulates the deployment and structural characteristics of an inflatable concept. All the materials used for the flexible parts have been selected through a series of mechanical tests in order to create a library for the numerical simulation. The multi-layer pneumatic retention laminate is composed of polymer sheets, ortho-fabrics and elastomers like urethane coated Mylar sheets, Nylon ripstop, coated Kevlar and Vectran fabrics. The External Shield Laminate is composed of several layers of impact absorption materials and also several layers of space environment (UV, IR, Atomic Oxygen) protection materials such as Kapton, Nextel, Kevlar and Zylon. The validation of the coated fabrics, the sheets and the final prototype assembly are tested in the Space Environment Simulator (SAS), located in the SASLab laboratory of the Aerospace Engineering Department of the “La Sapienza” University of Rome.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-C2.6.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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