The integration of composite materials with an automated machine capable of fabricating continuous beams on-orbit for use in large space structures is a highly desirable approach with unique problems and solutions. To clearly establish the validiy of this approach, two fundamental issues: Why on-orbit fabrication? and Why composite materials? are addressed. An overview of the fabrication machine concept, developed in a NASA/JSC study, then leads to a summary of experience in the in-house development of its two key technologies, cap forming and ultrasonic welding. A description of the baseline beam structure concept, its simplicity of joining, a recently fabricated and soon to be tested prototype beam segment, and recent test confirmation of prior beam cap stability analysis follows. The applicability of composite spacefabricated beams to several structural assembly concepts is then discussed, followed by a brief summary. (DePo)
On-orbit fabrication and assembly of composite structures
In-Orbit Fertigung und Zusammenbau von Konstruktionen aus Verbundwerkstoffen in Raumfahrzeugen
AIAA-Papers ; 1-7
1978
7 Seiten, 13 Bilder, 2 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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