Morphological of Free-Floating Foam Inflated Structure Assay (MOFFIA)

University of Kentucky

Inflatable deployable aerospace structures offer an advantage over traditional deployable structures because they are lightweight and can be launched in a compact configuration. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to deflation if impacted by micro-meteors or space debris. Recent thinking is to fill the inflated structure with a foam which becomes rigid as it cures. Inflating with foam reduces the risk of damage and keeps the structure stiff, strong, and lightweight.

It is unknown how the foam filling and curing processes are affected by the presence or absence of gravity. The morphology of the foam - the distribution of foam in the strut - will effect the mechanical properties of the structure. Our experiment, Morphology of Free-Floating Foam Rigidized Inflated Structure Assay (MOFFIA) will address the basic question of whether or not the morphology of foam rigidized struts is the same in a 1-g environment as it is in a 0-g environment. This baseline study will examine both the morphology of foam rigidized structures and the deployment dynamics of inflated structures. For the morphology studies, Kapton sleeves will be inflated and rigidized with urethane foam in two orientations. For the deployment studies, an inflatable frame will be deployed from a stowed configuration. Visual data will be recorded in-flight via a video camera for future analysis of the strut fabrication techniques, record deployment dynamics, and to verify consistency among the continuum of trials. Foam struts fabricated in the 0-g environment will be retained for post-flight ground testing. Testing for basic properties and examination of morphology will be conducted for struts manufactured in 0-g and in 1-g. Results will be compiled and published.

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Last Modified: Tue May 19 1998
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