Inflatable system based on polyurethanic foam

Paper number

IAC-12,D1,1,12.p1,x15216

Author

Mr. Marcello Valdatta, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Federico Romei, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Antonio Spadanuda, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Stefania Toschi, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Gian Paolo Candini, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Jacopo Piattoni, University of Bologna, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Fabrizio Piergentili, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Fabio Santoni, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Italy

Year

2012

Abstract

REDEMPTION experiment for Rexus / Bexus programme allowed to test
several solutions to use a particular foam. This substance is a
bi-component poliuretanic foam which expands and becomes rigid. Thanks
to REDEMPTION it has been possible to test this foam in near space
conditions. One of the tests of REDEMPTION experiment was to use this
foam like a inflatable rigid structure to deploy a boom. This test was
a success also during ground test. This kind of boom can be deployed
in a couple of seconds and thanks to a particular property of the foam
can be bigger in volume than the two substances boarded on the space
system. This boom could also supply a structure with good mechanical
properties.
Is a project completely conceived, designed and realised within the
Space Robotic Laboratory (SRL) of the II Faculty of Engineering of the
University of Bologna “ALMA MATER STUDIORUM", based on REDEMPTION
(REmoval of DEbris using Material with Phase Transition: IONospherical
tests) experiment has been selected to participate to REXUS/BEXUS 2012
Programme. REDEMPTION allowed to test
several solutions to use a particular foam. This substance is a
bi-component poliuretanic foam which expands and becomes rigid. Thanks
to REDEMPTION it has been possible to test this foam in near space
conditions. One of the tests of REDEMPTION experiment was to use this
foam like a inflatable rigid structure to deploy a boom. This test was
a success also during ground test. This kind of boom can be deployed
in a couple of seconds and thanks to a particular property of the foam
can be bigger in volume than the two substances boarded on the space
system. This boom could also supply a structure with good mechanical
properties. The paper describes the IBS inflatable system's
characteristics, the mission's configuration, concept, design,process
flow, mechanical assembling and the expected results.

Abstract document

IAC-12,D1,1,12.p1,x15216.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,D1,1,12.p1,x15216.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.