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Shape memory composite structures for self-deployable solar sails

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A Correction to this article was published on 11 February 2022

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Abstract

Shape memory composites (SMCs) combine mechanical performances of composite materials with functional behavior of shape memory polymers. They can be used to produce the external frame of self-deployable solar sails with very low weight in comparison with traditional composite booms. Furthermore, heat activation is necessary for deploying instead of complex mechanical devices. In this study, the mechanical behavior of a solar sail with SMC frame is simulated by means of finite element modeling. Design considerations are made on sail deployment configuration, size/weight ratio of solar sails, and SMC properties. An experimental activity has been also performed to provide suitable candidates for the composite laminates of the SMC structure. Mechanical and instrumented recovery tests have been carried out on 2-plies carbon-fiber laminates with a shape memory interlayer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy

    Loredana Santo, Denise Bellisario, Leamdro Iorio & Fabrizio Quadrini

Authors
  1. Loredana Santo
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  2. Denise Bellisario
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  3. Leamdro Iorio
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  4. Fabrizio Quadrini
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Correspondence to Loredana Santo.

Additional information

Loredana Santo is full professor of manufacturing processes. Her scientific activity has been mainly focused on the following topics: non-conventional processes, micromachining, innovative materials and processes. She was Principal Investigator of the Experiments IFOAM, NASA STS 134 (2011) and Ribes Foam2, BION-M1 Russian Mission (2013). Currently, she is co-investigator of the Experiment MISSE-9 Polymers and Composites Experiment (PCE) (2018). She is author of over 160 manuscripts accepted in international journals, books and conferences proceedings.

Denise Bellisario is a researcher in manufacturing technologies of the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Rome Tor Vergata since 2015. She is the author of more than forty papers accepted in international journals and conferences. She acts as reviewer for some international journals. Her research activities are focused on laser processes of metals and metal foams, forming and machining of metals, plastics and polymer matrix composites and nanocomposites, shape memory polymers and composites, surface analysis and functionalization. She is involved in many national and international research projects and she collaborates with national and international companies and space organizations.

Leandro Iorio graduated in mechanical engineering at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in July 2017 with a thesis on Deployment of solar sails with structure made of shape memory polymer composite". Since 2017, he has been Ph.D. student in industrial engineering. His research deals with Smart Composite Structures" for aerospasce applications, with particular regard to the satellite sector. In August 2018, he attended the XIV International Summer Space School held in Samara regarding the development of nanosatellites and their subsystems. He is also the representative of the students of Tor Vergata for Unison.

Fabrizio Quadrini is an associate professor in manufacturing technologies in the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Rome Tor Vergata. He is author of over 200 manuscripts accepted in international journals and conferences. One of his works has been selected for an experiment on the International Space Station during the last mission of the Space Shuttle Endeavour and was repeated in a Mission of Soyouz (BION-M1). He is member of ASME/MED Manufacturing Processes Technical Committee (MPTC). His main scientific interests deal with laser processing of metals and plastics, forming and machining of metals, composite materials, cellular materials, manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing, smart and shape memory materials, technologies for recycling.

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Santo, L., Bellisario, D., Iorio, L. et al. Shape memory composite structures for self-deployable solar sails. Astrodyn 3, 247–255 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42064-018-0044-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42064-018-0044-7

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