Self-deploying amorphous metal origami structures for environmental protection of lunar payloads

Abstract

The development of small subterranean deployable structures provides a novel methodology for thermal insulation and radiation protection of scientific payloads for future lunar missions. This work showcases the fabrication and characterization of an origami-inspired self-deploying dome fabricated from amorphous metal foil, taking advantage of the high elastic strain limit of amorphous metals to store energy for deployment in the foil folds when the structure is in the stored configuration. Experiments are performed to understand the influence of material selection on stored energy and springback. A cylindrical structure is fabricated to develop a simulation model for origami-inspired amorphous metal structures and probe the structural integrity of amorphous metal foil structures during repeated loading cycles. Finally, a prototype deployable dome structure is manufactured to showcase the self-deployment strategy and investigate deformation under a simulated lunar regolith load.