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Biaxial Loading of a Textile Ribbons Structure for an Inflatable Module of Space Habitats

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Abstract

The aim of the experimental campaign was to assess and observe the biaxial tensile mechanical response of a ribbons structure as part of an inflatable module of space habitats. The structure consists of orthogonal Zylon™ and Kevlar™ ribbons connected at crossover by Nylon thread seams. A clamping system was designed and manufactured to reproduce the biaxial loading condition supposed in the inflatable module application. The tests were assisted by a digital image correlation system. The images post-processing allowed the observation and measurement of the full field strain of the different connection schemes. The results of the tests show the excellent mechanical performance of the ribbons structure at the maximum biaxial load level without visible damage.

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Acknowledgments

The activities were performed within the STEPS2 Project (Systems and Technologies for Space Exploration phase 2). STEPS2 is a project co-funded by European Union within the platform “Misura Piattaforme Innovative” - Phase 2 of POR FESR 2007/2013.

The Textiles HUB (Heuristic Understanding in Buildings) laboratory at “Politecnico di Milano” is gratefully acknowledged for the experimental devices adopted in this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy

    C. Monticelli, V. Carvelli & Z. Fan

  2. AKKA, Via Torino 166, 10093, Collegno, TO, Italy

    D. Valletti

  3. Thales Alenia Space – Italia, Strada Antica di Collegno 253, 10146, Torino, Italy

    M. Nebiolo

  4. Space & Technology Division, Aero Sekur S.p.A., Via Bianco di Barbania 16, 10072, Caselle T.se, TO, Italy

    A. Messidoro

Authors
  1. C. Monticelli
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  2. V. Carvelli
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  3. Z. Fan
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  4. D. Valletti
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  5. M. Nebiolo
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  6. A. Messidoro
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Correspondence to V. Carvelli.

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Monticelli, C., Carvelli, V., Fan, Z. et al. Biaxial Loading of a Textile Ribbons Structure for an Inflatable Module of Space Habitats. Exp Tech 41, 9–17 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-016-0150-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-016-0150-5

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