Numerical Study and Design of Foldable and Expandable Space Structures

Abstract

Expandable space structures offer advantages for long duration exploration by providing a maximum amount of operational volume at a minimum transportation cost. The current research is focused on using the dynamic properties of the folding process to yield a new class of deployable surfaces and deployable linkages. These foldable structures can be incorporated into a multitude of space based applications for habitats. Specifically, the folding schemes can be used for interior subsystems, external protective layers, and pressure vessels. The numerical study and applications design is the first step towards building a demonstration system for a multitude of applications.