Analytical characterization of space inflatable structures - An overview

Abstract

One important challenge in implementing inflatable structures technology for future space missions is the development and validation of analysis and simulation methodologies. This paper reviews selected topics previously addressed by various researchers in this area. These include strength and modal analyses of inflated tubular structures, configuration analysis, inflation deployment dynamics, and membrane wrinkling analysis. In particular, several on-going efforts related to dynamic modeling of large, pre-tensioned, thin-film membranes that form the NGST Inflatable Sunshield are discussed in detail. inflatable structure, can potentially revolutionize the designs and applications of large space structures. It is very likely that many of the NASA missions planed for the next decade will rely on space inflatable structures to achieve their launch volume and mass goals. This is especially true for missions that require relatively large in-orbit configurations to properly perform their assigned functions.