Research on an Expandable Airlock Utilizing the Elastic Recovery Principle.

Abstract

The elastic recovery concept is a mechanism by which a flexible structure may be erected in space. This concept is particularly well suited to an expandable airlock, as it provides a wall which is self-erecting and self- supporting. The erection of the structure takes place from the stored potential energy within the compressed composite wall. Basically, the composite consists of flexible facings and a foam core. The structure is packaged into a small volume by alternately folding and compressing the composite wall section. Upon release of the constrained structure in space, the stored potential energy is sufficient to erect the structure and allow it to be self-supporting without any external influences. This concept was initially investigated by Narmco under Contract NASW-661, entitled 'development and Evaluation of the Elastic Recovery Concept for Expandable Space Structures'. This study resulted in the determination of the possible areas of application for the elastic recovery principle.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1965
Accession Number
ADA310126

Entities

People

  • N. O. Brink

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Composite Materials
  • Contracts
  • Energy
  • Flexible Structures
  • Potential Energy
  • Recovery

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites