Shape control of multi-cellular inflatable panel

N. Katayama*, K. Ishimura, K. Minesugi, Daniel J. Inman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Multi-Cellular Inflatable structures are not only ultra-light but also robust against the damage of the membrane such as pin-holes caused by space debris. Because of the robustness, we can apply the inflatable structures supported by inner gas as space structures. We proposed the shape control with new mechanism, diaphragm mechanism, for the simple Multi-Cellular Inflatable panel. When the bending actuator in a center membrane bends, the inner pressures of sub-cells become different so that the diaphragm mechanism bends as a whole. Because there is no sliding part, this deformable system is reliable mechanism. In addition, this mechanism has higher rigidity than that of bending actuator used alone. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of the diaphragm mechanism and its characteristics from some experiments and numerical results.

Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Dec 1
Externally publishedYes
Event23rd International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies, ICAST 2012 - Nanjing, China
Duration: 2012 Oct 112012 Oct 13

Other

Other23rd International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies, ICAST 2012
Country/TerritoryChina
CityNanjing
Period12/10/1112/10/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Building and Construction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Shape control of multi-cellular inflatable panel'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this