A Membrane Structure for a Lunar Assembly Building

by Mark E. Schroeder, Fluor Daniel, Inc, Irvine, United States,
Philip J. Richter, Fluor Daniel, Inc, Irvine, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space IV

Abstract:

This paper describes potential design options and construction approaches for the development of an inflatable membrane structure of non-circular cross section. This structure could be used for a Lunar Assembly Building (LAB). Major structural components of the LAB can be fabricated on earth and constructed on the moon. The LAB would have a large floor area that can accommodate a variety of construction activities related to the evolution of a lunar base. In plan, its size could be over 20 m (65 ft.) wide and over 60 m (197 ft.) long. High strength, light weight materials such as Kevlar, composites, and alloys are considered for the system which must resist the dominant internal pressure. This paper suggests design and construction options and addresses several pertinent modeling issues that affect the design.

Subject Headings: Space construction | Building design | Strength of materials | Construction materials | Composite materials | Structural design | Moon

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