Vibration Analysis and Control of an Inflatable Structure Using Smart Materials

Abstract

Lightweight inflatable structures, or Gossamer spacecraft, are very attractive in aerospace applications for several reasons. These structures pose difficult problems, however, in modeling and in control due to their special geometry, unique material properties and ultra flexible nature. The main objective for this past year has been focused on understanding the mechanics of a pressurized membrane. Such configurations are being considered by AFRL as part of their adaptive optics program. The objective then was to provide fundamental research having the potential to help AFRL in their adaptive optics pursuits. The following is a brief report of our activities over duration of this grant.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 31, 2005
Accession Number
ADA589584

Entities

People

  • Daniel J. Inman

Organizations

  • Virginia Tech

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Composite Materials
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Geometry
  • Inflatable Structures
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Membranes
  • Optics
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components
  • Vibration

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space