Shape Memory Composites for Self-deployable Structures in Aerospace Applications

In this paper, shape memory epoxy foams, obtained by the new solid-state foaming process for thermosetting resin powder, are investigated. Foaming experiments in different configurations, compression tests, constrained stress recovery tests, and density measurements are discussed. The interesting results seem to be very promising for the aerospace application of shape memory epoxy foams as light actuators, structural parts with reduced size during shipping, and expandable/deployable structures. Finally, an attractive experiment is introduced. It is designed for the next Space Shuttle STS-134/ULF-6 in I-25/26, on April 2011, with the aim to study the behavior of this new class of materials in microgravity.

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Conceptual Prototypes of Composite Structures for Aerospace

Volume 1: Processing ◽

10.1115/msec2016-8621 ◽

2016 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

L. Santo ◽

F. Quadrini ◽

D. Bellisario ◽

A. G. Accettura

Keyword(s):

Shape Memory ◽

Composite Structures ◽

Small Scale ◽

Scale Production ◽

Aerospace Applications ◽

Large Structures ◽

Shape Memory Composites ◽

Satellite Applications ◽

Packing Efficiency ◽

Orbiting Systems

Shape memory composites (SMCs) are very interesting for self-deployable structures in aerospace applications. SMCs have been widely developed but not yet fully applied to space. In this study a lab-scale production of SMC prototypes for aerospace is described. Conceptual design of small-scale structures were prototyped with the aim to define several configurations which are able to self-deploy. SMC prototypes were manufactured by using two layers of carbon/epoxy prepreg with a shape memory epoxy resin interlayer. Two different configurations were produced to prototype complex shape for multiple folding and 3D deployments of de-orbiting structures. In particular, the first prototype tests a de-orbiting system without the sail to study the complex folding and de-folding mechanisms. The second configuration evaluates a de-orbiting dual-sail for satellite applications. The SMC structures were produced in the opened shape and subsequently memorized in the closed configuration. The initial deployed configuration is recovered by heating the prototype. The closed configuration increases the packing efficiency of large structures for space orbiting systems. The shape memory properties were provided only to folding zones. Memory-recovery-cycles have been performed to test SMC performances. As a result, the two configurations can successfully self-deploy following the desired design constraints and recovering the original flatness without noticeable defects.

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Recent Developments in the Field of Shape Memory Epoxy Foams

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.783-786.2523 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 783-786 ◽

pp. 2523-2530 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Loredana Santo

Keyword(s):

Shape Memory ◽

Space Station ◽

Heating System ◽

Deployable Structures ◽

New Class ◽

Aerospace Applications ◽

Recent Developments ◽

The Difference ◽

Structural Parts ◽

Micro Gravity

Shape memory epoxy foams are a new class of materials for aerospace applications as light actuators, structural parts with reduced size during transport, and expandable/deployable structures. They were tested in an experiment onboard of the International Space Station in May 2011 (Shuttle Mission STS 134) and in April 2013, on board the BION-M1 capsule through the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle, with the aim to study the behavior in microgravity for future applications. The experiments were performed by an autonomous device which was in turn composed of control and heating system, battery pack and data acquisition system. Micro-gravity does not affect the ability of the foams to recover their shape but it poses limits for the heating system design because of the difference in heat transfer on earth and on orbit. This could be very significant for the behaviour of complex multi-functional structures in which shape memory epoxy foams are integrated. In this work, the main results of the experiments in microgravity are discussed and some results of tests on ground are shown in order to evaluate new possible developments in the field.

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