This paper gives a brief overview of the develop ment of Precision Inflatable Space Structures during the last three decades or so. The authors cover the highlights of the work that has been done mainly in the U.S. during this time interval. This includes some of the characteristics of Space Inflatables, lessons learned in both DOD and NASA programs, current development efforts, and future outlook for this promising structures technology. In the discussion that follows we describe some of the most important characteristics of Space Inflatable
An intensive investigation has been carried out to study the surface profiles obtained as a result ofthe large deformations of pressurized membranes. The study shows that the inflated membrane shapes may have the requisite surface accuracy for use in future large space apertures. Both analytical and experimental work have been carried out. On the analytical side, the classical work ofHencky on flat circular membranes was extended to eliminate the limitations it imposed; namely a lateral non-follower pressure with no pre-stress. The result is a computer program for the solution ofthe pressurized circular membrane problem.[5] Thereliabiity ofthe computerprogram is demonstratedviaverification againstFAlM, anonlinearfinite element solver developed primarily for the analysis ofinflated membrane shapes. The experimental work includes observations made by Veal[1 1] on the (W-shaped) deviations between the membrane deflected shape and the predicted profile. More recent measurements have been made ofthe deformations ofpressurized flat circular and parabolic membranes using photogramnietric techniques. The surface error quantification analyses include the effect of material properties, geometric properties (effect of seams), loading uncertainties, andboundary conditions. These effects are veiy easily handled by the specialFEM code FAlMwhich had recently been enhanced to predict the on-orbit dynamics, RF, and solar concentration characteristics of inflatable parabolic antennas/reflectors such as the IAE (Inflatable AntennaExperiment)that flew offthe space shuttle Endeavour in May 1996. The results ofmeasurements have been compared with analyses and their ramifications on precision-shape, large-aperture parabolic space reflectors are discussed. Results show that veiy large space apertures with surface slope enor accuracies on the order of 1 milliradian or less are feasible. Surface shape accuracies ofless than 1 mm RMS have been attained on ground measurements.
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