Numerical and experimental investigation of self-rigidizable Kapton-SMA-based boom

• Published in: International journal of mechanics and materials in design Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 545 - 569
• Main Authors: Rastogi, Vikas, Upadhyay, S. H., Singh, Kripa Sankar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.06.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Classical Mechanics; Curve fitting; Design parameters; Engineering; Engineering Design; Gossamer structures; Inflatable space structures; Kapton (trademark); Polyimide resins; Solid Mechanics; Stiffness; Structural strength; Test chambers; Load carrying capacity; Inflatable structures; Shape memory alloys; Stiffness analysis; Rigidization
• DOI: 10.1007/s10999-023-09690-5
• ISSN: 1569-1713

The gossamer space structures can be stowed effortlessly because of a lack of out-of-plane stiffness, but structural strength is needed on partial or complete out-gassing to maintain their deployed state. This study demonstrates a novel approach to producing a self-maintaining shape ability of an inflatable cylindrical boom using heat-actuated SMA wires when the inflation gas is vented out from the assembly after complete deployment. Kapton-based and Kapton-SMA-based booms are analyzed numerically for bending stiffness under inflation and no-inflation pressure, followed by experimental validation. At this end, a customized heat test chamber is developed to conduct the required experiments. Furthermore, a parametric study is also performed to find the effect of materials and design parameters on the boom’s stiffness. Before all, the non-linear behavior of double-layered laminated Kapton is found by curve fitting of stretch test data with the optimized different material model parameters to find the best-fitted material model under the hyperelastic materials category. The study helps to find the membrane behavior and rigidization of the inflatable boom in a reversible manner.