Auxiliary Internal Structures (AUXIS) for an Expandable Habitat: Configuration Aspects and Hierarchical Structuring
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.7.03
- Author
Dr. Marco C Bernasconi, MCB Consultants, Switzerland
- Coauthor
Mr. Meindert Versteeg, MCB Consultants, Switzerland
- Coauthor
Mr. Roland Zenger, Switzerland
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Appropriately designed expandable (inflatable) habitats can make available living volumes significantly larger that those a transportation vehicle could otherwise supply. However -- like any terrestrial building -- they require an outfitting and furnishing phase, after the completion of the installation phase (release, unfolding, pressurization, and stabilization) of the primary structure. Such a habitat not only needs furnishing with the operational equipment, but also outfitting with the needed auxiliary structures, and in particular with the secondary carrying elements, which must first be introduced, positioned, and secured within the usable volume. In the past, this issue received but sporadic attention, as much of the effort on inflatable habitats focused on the fundamental and all-critical primary structure. For the initial study of ESA's "Space Haven" inflatable habitat (IHAB), we have looked at possible designs for a range of internal structures reviewing past interior-design work for orbital habitats, defining a logical frame for analyzing different kind of structural object, identifying accommodations for different service spaces within the reference volume, preparing specifications for the essential secondary structures and for related elements. After a summary of the IHAB's configuration and of its primary structure's concept, the paper introduces the major functions that the auxiliary structures have to fulfill: establish the crew quarters within a core module; create working space inside the expanded volume, with floorings and partition walls, but also doors and utility channels. The main specifications for these items are then reviewed. In examining the basic design aspects of these items (layout, structural concept and materials, stiffness), it emerged that -- to create a viable habitat -- a number of further issues need consideration: like lighting and noise control; the use of decorative patterns, "electronic wall paper"; the presence of locomotion aids, pouches, etc. Hence, to helping analyse the system, we introduced a hierarchical classification for the different objects. It reflects the cascading of the interfaces among the objects (e.g., secondary structures attach to primary structures and support tertiary structures), it clarifies the discourse, and one can easily recognize commonalties within one level and differences between levels. The options for creating secondary structures using inflatable and membrane techniques are then reviewed, showing e.g. that practical inflatable beams cannot sustain the assumed live loads. Thus, the first design for the secondary structures relies on erectable elements, which are presented. A door concept is discussed and some tertiary structures are defined. In conclusions, a first reasonable design concept for an expandable habitat's auxiliary internal structures can rely on rigid elements: While the technological know-how for these devices seems at hand, implementing deployable support structures within a habitat remains an unexplored domain, demanding a demonstration activity to reduce the AUXIS' development risks. More importantly, further work must address important habitability aspects -- as well as the potential of multi-functional items. Finally, novel options that could enable the inclusion of flexible expandable secondary structures within the habitat's volume deserve to be investigated. PPH-05-053
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.7.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.