Abstract
There is increasing demand for constructing large structures in space due to the continued increase in space utilization. Space inflatable structures make it possible to construct large space structures that do not need complex deployment mechanisms or mechanical actuators. Rigidizing a space inflatable structure after inflation allows it to resist warping due to temperature variation and damage caused by space debris and meteoroids. Rigidizable space inflatable structures must have long shelf-life and excellent foldability. This paper proposes a rigidizing membrane that uses co-woven fabrics: fibrous thermoplastics (the matrix resin) are interwoven with glass fiber (the reinforcement material). The rigidizing conditions are clarified by experiments that place membrane specimens in a furnace. The membrane construction method is evaluated by a rigidization experiment involving a inflatable cylindrical structure. The validity of the cool rigidization method using thermally plasticizing co-woven fabrics is clarified through these evaluations.
