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Initial '80s development of inflated antennas
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Bilyeu, G. D. Thomas, M. Friese, G. J. |
| Copyright Year | 1983 |
| Description | State of the art technology was considered in the definition and documentation of a membrane surface suitable for use in a space reflector system for long durations in orbit. Requirements for a metal foil-plastic laminate structural element were determined and a laboratory model of a rigidized element to test for strength characteristics was constructed. Characteristics of antennas ranging from 10 meters to 1000 meters were determined. The basic antenna configuration studied consists of (1) a thin film reflector, (2) a thin film cone, (3) a self-rigidizing structural torus at the interface of the cone and reflector; and (4) an inflation system. The reflector is metallized and, when inflated, has a parabolic shape. The cone not only completes the enclosure of the inflatant, but also holds the antenna feed at its apex. The torus keeps the inflated cone-reflector from collapsing inward. Laser test equipment determined the accuracy of the inflated paraboloids. |
| File Size | 5124938 |
| Page Count | 106 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_19830010565 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t9g49j21d |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 1983-01-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance Mechanical Properties Metal Foils Laminates Parabolic Reflectors Thin Films Fabrication Toruses Meteoritic Damage Antenna Design Packaging Inflatable Structures Internal Pressure Large Space Structures Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports ServerĀ (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Technical Report |