Development of a Predistributed Azide Base Polyurethane Foam for Rigidization of Solar Concentrators in Space.
Abstract
This report covers an effort to develop a predistributed foam material applicable for the rigidization of solar concentrators in space. Research yielded an azide base polyurethane foam formulation that: (1) could be applied as paste on a membrane structure; (2) could be foam activated and rigidized by the application of heat; and (3) could produce a foam product that would meet the design goals of a space solar concentrator. Twelve azide structures were investigated, and a prepolymerized polyol resin, a blocked isocyanate, a microquartz filler, and various catalysts, surfactants, and plasticizers were examined in the development of the foam formulation. An optimum formulation was developed based on the work accomplished. The foam product, which was produced in vacuum, was also tested in vacuum for physical property values. Tensile ultimate stress values as high as 20 psi and tensile modulus values up to 1385 psi were obtained for foam densities of approximately 4 pcf. Solar concentrators of up to two feet in diameter have been foam rigidized in vacuum. Contour measurements on one model gave less than 0.1 inch deviation from a perfect paraboloid over almost all of the surface area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- ADA307576
Entities
People
- C. E. Welling
- N. Jouriles
Organizations
- Goodyear Aerospace