Shape memory self-deployable structures for solar sails

Abstract

A cold-hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) structures technology is one of the most recent results of the quest for simple, reliable and low-cost self-deployable structures. The CHEM technology utilizes shape-memory polymers in open-cell foam structures or sandwich structures made of shape-memory-polymer foam cores and polymeric laminated-composite skins. It takes advantage of a polymer's shape memory and the corresponding internal elastic recovery forces to self-deploy a compacted structure. This paper describes these structures and their major advantages over other expandable and deployable structures presently used. Previous preliminary investigations and experiments have confirmed the feasibility of certain CHEM structures for space applications. Further improvements in CHEM technology and structure design widen potential space applications, including advanced solar sail structural concepts that are revealed and described in this paper.