Deployment, Foam Rigidization, and Structural Characterization of Inflatable Thin-Film Booms

Detailed investigation of the construction, packaging/deployment, foam rigidL'ation, and structural characterization of polyimide film inflatable booms is described. These structures have considerable potential for use in space with solar concentrat_rs, solar sails, space power systems including solar arrays, and other future missions. Numerous thin-film booms or struts were successfully constructed, inflated, injected with foam, and rigidized. Both solid-section and annular test articles were fabricated, using Kapton polyimide fihn, various adhesives, styrofoam end plugs, and polyurethane pressurized foam. Numerous inflation/deployment experiments were conducted and compared to comput,_r simulations using the MSC/DYTRAN code. Finite element models were developed for several foam-rigidized _truts and compared to modal test results. Several problems encountered in the construction, deployment, and foam injection/ri_::idization process arc described. Areas of difficulty includ_:d inadequate adhesive strength, cracking of the film and air leakage, excessive bending of the structure during deployment, problems with loam distribution and curing properties, and control of foam leakage following injection into the structure. Many of these problems were overcome in the course of the research.