The Use of Pneumatic Rings and Spirals in Space Structures and Framework Systems

Abstract

The paper discusses the results of research in forming fast erecting pneumatic framework structures with the use of pneumatic rings and spirals. We investigate the description of structures, methods of erecting and dismantling, working features and applying such pneumatic structures as covering with opening ends, wavy vault with transformable semiarches, elastic volume supported by pneumatic pillars, flexible sheathing with pneumatic supporting frame for vault coverings, sheathing for column concreting, elastic funnelled volume, device for assembling rigid building structures. Description of pneumatic structures is illustrated by explanatory schemes and figures.

Evaluation of Deployable Structures for Space Enclosures

“…Pneumatic structures [128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136] Pneumatic structures are tension membrane structures in which the compression required to balance the membrane tension is obtained by air pressure. These are probably the most efficient deployable structures from the point of view of stowage efficiency, particularly if auxiliary equipment-compressors and anchorage components are ignored.…”