An inflatable and rigidizable structure for use as a habitat or a load bearing structure is disclosed. The structure consists of an outer wall and an inner wall defining a containment member and a bladder. The bladder is pressurized to erect the structure from an initially collapsed state. The containment member is subsequently injected with rigidizable fluid through an arrangement of injection ports. Exhaust gases from the curing rigidizable fluid are vented through an arrangement of exhaust ports. The rate of erection can be controlled by frictional engagement with a container or by using a tether. A method for fabricating a tubular structure is disclosed.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Foam rigidized inflatable structural assemblies


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2010-06-15


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Inflatable Foam-Rigidized Approach To Solar Concentrators

    Zipkin, Morris A. / Edwards, Russell N. | AIAA | 1963


    Rigidized inflatable solar energy concentrators

    Schwartz, S. / Bagby, J. | TIBKAT | 1965



    Inflatable Space Rigidized Structure: Adaptivity and Fundamental Experiment

    Higuchi, K. / Natori, M. C. / Hatta, H. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996