Damping Characteristics of Inflatable Space Structures: Experimental Investigation and Modeling

Inflatable space structures show potential for future space applications such as large elescopes and solar sails. Properties such as low cost, small pack volume and a significant decrease in weight are attractive. Much research is still needed in the field of inflatable structures, though. This proposal builds on recent research on dynamic behavior of inflatable tubes and toruses. The focus of this research will be the effect of damping in the dynamic response of these structures. Vibration experiments in the ambient laboratory environment and in the University of Kentucky vacuum chamber will lead to more accurate mathematical models of inflatable space structures.