Adaptivity demonstration of inflatable rigidized integrated structures (IRIS)

Abstract An inflatable rigidized integrated structure (IRIS), which is composed of membrane elements and cable networks, and whose structural accuracy is decided by mainly cable networks, has various design adaptivity, since it is a high performance deployable structure for future space applications. In order to keep some stiffness after deployment, materials of membrane are assumed to be rigidized in space, and sometimes the cable network is also rigidized. The concept can cover various structural elements and structure systems. The accuracy analysis of reflector surface constrained by inside hard points and the manufacturing of a simple reflector model is introduced. Test results of rigidized cable columns to show many variations of IRIS to be feasible are also reported.