An innovative material for space-oriented structures and habitat design

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate a new and innovative sandwich material evaluating its capability for use in space habitat structural components in deployable and foldable configurations. The main habitat requirements were considered in the preliminary design of a typical space outpost, proposing a preliminary architecture.Design/methodology/approachThe stiffness properties of the innovative sandwich (MAdFlex ®) were evaluated using numerical and experimental investigations. Four-point bending tests were performed for complete sandwich characterization. Numerical FE simulations were performed using typical material properties and performance. The application to a space habitat main structure as a basic material has also been discussed and presented.FindingsMAdFlex basic stiffness performances have been determined considering its double behavior: sufficiently stiff if loaded in a specific direction, flexible if loaded in the opposite direction and enhanced folding performance. Successful application to a typical space habitat confirms the validity and convenience of such a material in designing alternative structures.Research limitations/implicationsThe innovative material demonstrates wide potential for structural application and design in demanding space situations under operating conditions and in stored ones at launch.Practical implicationsSeveral simple deployable structural components can be designed and optimized both for the space environment and for the more traditional terrestrial applications.Social implicationsSimplification in structural design can be derived from deployable low-weight items.Originality/valueInnovative customized material in sandwich configuration has been proposed and investigated with the aim to demonstrate its potentiality and validity in alternative design architecture.