Deployable Structures for a Human Lunar Base

Paper number

IAC-06-D3.2.03

Author

Mrs. Sandra Haeuplik, University of Technology Vienna, Austria

Coauthor

Mrs. Petra Gruber, University of Technology Vienna, Austria

Coauthor

Dr. Barbara Imhof, LIQUIFER Systems Group, Austria

Coauthor

Mr. Kürsad Özdemir, University of Technology Vienna, Austria

Coauthor

Mr. Rene Waclavicek, LIQUIFER Systems Group, Austria

Year

2006

Abstract

In late 2005 the Institute for Architecture and Design – HB 2 at the University of Technology Vienna was awarded a contract by Alcatel Alenia Spazio within the Lunar Exploration Architecture study to explore the possibilities for deployable structures derived from bionic concepts.

The purpose of this project was to investigate firstly bionic concepts applicable to deployable structures, then to interpret the findings for possible implementation concepts for a human lunar base. The study aimed to find innovative solutions for deployment possibilities and within these conceptional approaches for the use of materials, joints between structural elements and construction details.

Concepts from nature interpreted for terrestrial applications mostly fail because of Earth’s gravity. Therefore a partial gravity environment as the Moon could be an advantage when looking for these concepts. The challenge still is transferring the scale of nature into a scale, which could be used for space technological applications. A number of investigations into “folding/unfolding” quite often used in applications in nature were analysed and candidate role models from the institute’s bionic database for further assessment selected. After development and evaluation processes candidate geometries for deployment were developed and schematic analysis into engineering aspects were looked at. Paper working models, matrices and other tools were used to investigate the key role models of Ladybird and Cacti amongst other such as pineapple, tensegrity and folding box.

Design drivers were environmental issues such as vacuum, radiation and dust and mechanical issues such as hinges and connections including sealing. Fabrication and the deployment processes were included into the study items. The outcome of this study shows an evaluation of the chosen concepts, trade –off studies and describes possible applications with their engineering aspects.

Abstract document

IAC-06-D3.2.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D3.2.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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