The Fabric of Flight: From Early Balloons to Modern Spacecraft
- Paper number
IAC-06-E4.3.06
- Author
Mr. Anthony Springer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Headquarters, United States
- Coauthor
Mrs. Emily Springer, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Fabric has played and continues to play a pivotal role in the advancement of aerospace vehicles. From a basic structural element in early balloons, dirigibles, gliders and airplanes to a supporting role for many years in aircraft and spacecraft, fabric once again is playing a key role in the advancement of aircraft and spacecraft structures. This paper will look at the evolving role of fabric in the design of aerospace structures from its origin in the early balloon flights to modern aircraft and spacecraft. While fabric plays a role in the structure of aerospace vehicles, it has also from the beginning played a role in pilot protective clothing and vehicle safety systems. This paper will survey the uses of fabric in aerospace systems and the historic use of fabric, its current use, and the future role of fabric in flight systems. Draft Outline The first Hot Air and Hydrogen Balloons Envelope fabric Early flight clothing Jefferies protective clothing (cork life vest) Dirigibles Envelope fabric Gliders Wright Flyer Cotton Early Airplanes Standard aircraft cotton and doping Flyers clothing Natural materials to advanced materials Parachutes and pressure suits Silk through nylon to nomex and kevlar Rockets, Space capsules and Space suits The advent of Beta Cloth Reentry systems and inflatable structures The para-wing and spacecraft recover Rebirth of fabric and fibers in flight General aviation fiberglass structures Space shuttle Thermal protection systems, blankets Astronaut apparel from Beta cloth to nomex Modern aircraft composite structures Carbon and Kevlar structures Spacecraft composite structures Structural elements Parachutes Landing bags for planetary probes Future role of fabric in flight
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-E4.3.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.