Infusion Rigidizable Inflatable Space Elements.
In the context of ASAP17 the consortium develops innovative, new technology for in-situ resin infusion and a point-initiated self-sustained curing process (frontal polymerization) of composites for space applications. Novel to our approach is that we can apply the abundant vacuum of space to the whole surface area of the composite part. The product consists of an impermeable inner membrane, resin flow channels, arranged (e.g., braided) reinforcement fibers, and an outer membrane that is permeable by gaseous elements but not the fluid resin constituents. Possible applications of this technology are manifold and range from simple instrument booms, antennas, and structural elements to larger-scale space infrastructure for robotic and human exploration missions.
This exploratory project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) of Austria as part of the FFG “Take Off Call 2018”.
