Inflatable, space-rigidized structures. Overview of applications and their technology impact

Bernasconi, M. C.; Reibaldi, Giuseppe

doi:10.1016/0094-5765(86)90146-3

Cited by 22 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 7 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Woven fabrics were first implemented in architectural applications in the late 1940's by Bird (1967), who developed several pneumatic domes (the so-called "radomes"), and in the early 1960's by Otto and Trostel (1962). Extended reviews of inflated membrane applications were made by Bulson (1973), Herzog (1976) and Bernasconi and Reibaldi (1986), whereas fabrication and construction details were described by Sobek and Speth (1995). In the area of membrane fabric material, Karwath et al (2007) applied orthotropic material constitutive equations and conducted tension experiments in order to extract in-plane stiffness parameters of woven membrane materials under variable ratios of in-plane loading, whereas Bridgens and Gosling (2004) presented two methods for fitting the direct stress-strain representation of coated woven fabrics under biaxial tension.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Fabric Webs on the Static Response of Spindle-Shaped Tensairity Columns

et al. 2010

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Tensairity is a lightweight structural concept comprising struts and cables stabilized by a textile membrane, which is inflated by low pressurized air. This paper addresses the effect of fabric webs inside the membrane hull on the static response of spindle-shaped Tensairity columns to axial compression. Two full-scale spindle-shaped columns, one without and one with webs, were fabricated and tested. The columns were subjected to axial compressive loading for various levels of internal air pressure in order to quantify its effect on the global structural response. It was found that the stiffness and the load bearing capacity for both columns increased with increasing air pressure. The experimental results also revealed the benefits of including fabric webs in the spindle configuration in terms of axial stiffness and buckling load. Comparisons with an analytical solution and finite element predictions showed good correlation for the axial stiffness in the case without webs. For the case with webs deviations between predicted and experimental results indicated that structural detailing and imperfections in the manufacturing process strongly influence the performance of Tensairity columns with internal webs.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Fabric Webs on the Static Response of Spindle-Shaped Tensairity Columns

et al. 2010

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…shelters. solar sails and hopefully, space sculptures (Bernasconi and Reibaldi 1985) (Bernasconi. Pagana and Reibaldi.…”

Section: The Technical Design Of the Our-spsmentioning

confidence: 99%

OURS - the orbiting unification ring satellite project

Woods¹

Delicate Balance: Technics, Culture and Consequences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

It is the hope of many that outer space development and exploration will continue to foster and stimulate international cooperation. As such, this endeavor is contributing to a lessening of political tensions and is enhancing our species' chances of avoiding the consequences of a nuclear exchange. The deterioration of the biosphere is another serious threat to the future of our planet. Space technology provides an option of choice to monitor the state of the biosphere, leading to an improved understanding of environmental change and its consequences. Recent developments in the commercial use of outer space have made it possible for cultural events to enter this environment which can be seen and experienced by much of the world's population. This access to the wo8rld audience is a unique opportunity to link space activities with the future wellbeing of our planet. It is also an opportunity to actively involve the international public in the space program. The OURS -Orbiting Unification Ring Satellite Project is aninternationally-oriented cultural organization which is attempting to focus global attention on these aspects by introducing a direct cultural dimension into outer space exploration with a series of symbolic space sculptures dedicated to the wellbeing of our planet. These sculptures are designed to be global artistic expressions signifying both the need and the hope for more international cooperation in resolving our global environmental and political problems. As such, these sculptures and their process of their realization represent a synthesis of art, technology and the human spirit.The paper summarizes the gestation of the project, describes the technical specifications of the sculptures. their environmental impact, discusses its organizational setup and outlines the planned mission operations.

show abstract

“…The payload and cables trail the parachute sail. A hollow-body or`pillow-type' sail is in¯ated with gas and dispenses with the cable (Bernasconi and Reibaldi, 1986;Strobl, 1989). The payload of a hollow-body sail is placed in front of the sail.…”

Section: The Solar Photon Sailmentioning

confidence: 99%

Space propulsion today

Springer Praxis Books

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Inflatable, space-rigidized structures. Overview of applications and their technology impact

Cited by 22 publications

References 7 publications

Effect of Fabric Webs on the Static Response of Spindle-Shaped Tensairity Columns

Effect of Fabric Webs on the Static Response of Spindle-Shaped Tensairity Columns

OURS - the orbiting unification ring satellite project

Space propulsion today

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About