The use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics is now the basis of any space application. As space requirements are very demanding, many of these application require the upmost performance of carbon fibres. Strong competition is pushing down the price of launch service. The in parallel to increasing performance, an intense effort on the cost of component is driving the design of CFRP elements. EADS LV is developing the largest solid motor in Europe. This motor case is 2.5 m in diameter and about 35 tons of propellant. A full set of industrial facilities is associated to this product: (i) filament winding capabilities up to 12 m in length and more than 5 m in diameter, (ii) associated curing facilities, and (iii) testing facilities. As a spin-off of large solid rocket motor cases, pressurant tanks for satellite propulsion have been developed. Antenna reflectors are very demanding space structures. Shape requirements are very stringent in terms of shape complexity to fit with RF beam requirements. In addition these shape requirements shall be fulfilled in the space environment with large change in temperature on each orbit and long life cycling. Another application of large lightweight space structures are the solar array structures. These elements accommodate a network of solar cells to provide the spacecraft with power. The requirement for carbon fibre aim to identified improved - VHM fibres combining high modulus with very temperature stable behaviour. In addition, new developments of low cost / high performance fibres is under constant analysis. (bilingual document: French/English)
Etat des lieux et tendances des technologies composites
Status und Trends bei der Verbundtextil-Technologie
Status and trends of composites technologies
TUT Textiles a Usages Techniques ; 44 ; 60-64
2002
5 Seiten, 5 Bilder
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Französisch
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