Abstract
Space technology is often considered very conservative, since reliability and robustness are necessarily its main drivers. However, novel concepts coming from research activities are the lymph for the development of successful and competitive new space system solutions. The aim of this paper is to present new concepts and ideas inspired by natural systems with distributed actuators embedded in their structure for possible uses in space operations. Preliminary technical solutions for long-term future implementations are proposed and analyzed in order to assess both feasibility and performance of such novel concepts. Peristaltic movement obtained by using dielectric electroactive polymer actuators is proposed as one of the most promising solutions that is worth of future investigations. Preliminary experimental tests and numerical simulations on single actuation units are also presented and discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
