An inflatable structure constructed of flexible material that can occupy a minimal volume when in a deflated and stored condition as compared to its fully inflated and deployed configuration, has sufficient structural rigidity to function as a wing when deployed. The wing includes an array of inflatable chambers with generally circular cross-sections. The chambers are spaced a particular distance between their centers and held in that spacing by an outer wing skin. For equal cross-sectional diameter chambers this distance is less than the diameter. When the chambers are inflated the close spacing causes tension in the opposing surfaces to create a rigid structure.


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    Title :

    Inflatable Aerodynamic Wing and Method


    Contributors:
    D. B. Elam (author)

    Publication date :

    2004


    Size :

    12 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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