Characterization of Rigidization Process by a Photoinitiated Rigidizable Membrane for Inflatable Structures

Abstract

This paper describes the rigidization characteristics of a rigidizable membrane used for the inflatable structures with photoinitiated composites. The test pieces are obtained from the photoinitiated rigidizing prepreg irradiated by the xenon lamp. The DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) test, the residual styrene measuring, the sectional view and tensile modulus measuring are conducted to evaluate the rigidization characteristics. The acceptable rigidization is confirmed from these measurements. Feasibility of the rigidizing membrane used for the inflatable structures is also clarified.