VAPOR RIGIDIZED EXPANDABLE SOLAR COLLECTORS AND AEROSPACE CYLINDERS,
Abstract
Through new design concepts, the problem of fold line damage and 'orange peel' effects in expandable solar collectors has been eliminated. A rigidizing resin (urethane prepolymer) has been developed that has superior strength, stability, and impregnation characteristics to those used in the past. Other resins have been developed which show improved resistance to radiation damage when compared to conventional urethane formulation. The effect of space environment (gamma-radiation, ultraviolet, infrared) on the vapor regidized structural material has been determined. These studies indicate the material will perform satisfactorily as an aerospace material. Through this research, three ten-foot diameter solar collectors were fabricated and rigidized. Two of the collectors were rigidized in air, while the third was deployed from a folded configuration and rigidized in a vacuum chamber at WPAFB. The collectors rigidized in air had an excellent contour and surface. The vacuum rigidized collector did not quite match the quality of the others, but represented a significant advance in the state of the art. The design and fabrication of a 4 foot by 8 foot space cylinder are also discussed in this report. The cylinder successfully underwent pressure testing, but attempts to deploy and rigidize the cylinder indicated further development is necessary in the packaging of such items.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0819174
Entities
People
- James Lee
- Lawrence M. Clemens
- Robert J. French
- William J. Mckillip
Organizations
- Archer Daniels Midland