Active Control of Flexural Vibrations in Beams
The feasibility of using piezoelectric actuators to control the flexural oscillations of large structures in space is investigated. Flexural oscillations are excited by implusive loads...
Response of Advanced Composite Space Materials to Thermal Cycling
In addition to microgravity and lack of atmosphere, the space environment provides intense radiation of both penetrating and nonpenetrating types. This paper focuses on the cyclic radiational...
Fatigue Reliability of Space Structures
This paper develops a methodology for calculating the probability distribution for rainflow cycles in a nonstationary Gaussian process. The up and downcrossing rates are estimated for...
Planetary Base Inflatable Form Construction
The use of the inflatable form (IF) structure has been practiced in the concrete industry for more than a decade. This article proposes the use of a double-walled IF for the Phase I construction...
Inflatable Form Construction in Space
In 1973, NASA launched Skylab 1 using a modified third stage of a Saturn V Rocket. This orbital workshop proved to be a success even though problems occurred. This article discusses the...
Spacecraft Environments: Design Considerations
Design, launch, assembly in orbit, and operation of large space-based systems involve much detailed analysis to ensure mission success. The area of contamination control and environmental...
Radiation Hazards to Space Construction - The Energetic Particle Environments
Many aspects of the space environment are recognized hazards for activities above the Earth's atmosphere. One of the most dramatic hazards is that posed by the diverse energetic...
Containerless Coating Processes for Large Space Structures
Large space structures (LSS) in low earth orbit (LEO) must be able to withstand the deleterious effects of in situ ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, and thermal-cycling-induced microcracking....
Differential Gravitional Forces on Large Space Structures
Effects of the differential gravitational forces have been investigated simultaneously on the orbital motion, attitude motion, and axial deformation of a very large axially flexible space...
Thermal Effects on Large Space Structures with Fixed Attitude
Radiation thermal effects are studied simultaneously on the orbital motion and axial deformation of a very large axially flexible space structure executing planar pitch motion around the...
Telerobotics Design Issues for Space Construction
The efforts of a recent study aimed at identifying key issues and trade-offs associated with using a Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) to aid in Space Station construction phase tasks...
Robotic Space Construction
This paper touches briefly on some of the highlights of Langley's work in automated space construction. It shows that space trusses similar to those likely to be used on the...
Animation/Simulation for Construction Planning
The importance of a highly efficient schedule for space construction cannot be overestimated. A detailed scheduling process working closely with design data could reduce costs, minimize...
Robotics Research for Construction in Space
Research in construction robotics, terrestrial or otherwise, has focused on issues which are broadly pertinent to space applications. Construction robotics, as addressed by this writer,...
Robotic Influence in the Conceptual Design of Mechanical Systems in Space and Vice Versa: A Survey
A survey is presented of the methods of constructing structural elements in space by the application of robotic devices. Two fundamentally different approaches to the solution of robotic...
Simulator for Telerobotic Assembly, Maintenance and Repair of Large Space Structures
A first approximation level computer simulator for telerobotic assembly of large space structures is described. Approach, methodology and initial results are presented. An example based...
An Overview of the Ease/Access Space Construction Demonstration
With the successful completion of the EASE/ACCESS demonstration, NASA took a significant step toward understanding construction in space. These experiments were performed on November 29...
Space Truss Construction Studies
The ACCESS Shuttle Flight Experiment, designed to evaluate EVA for on-orbit assembly of erectable truss structure, is reviewed and principal results are summarized. In addition, two on-going...
Space Artificial Gravity Facilities: An Approach to Their Construction
In the course of adaptation to a space microgravity environment, humans experience cardiovascular deconditioning, loss of muscle mass, and loss of bone minerals. One possible solution...
Adaptable Crew Facilities for Future Space Modules
This paper discusses life-size studies recently carried out on advanced crew accommodation features for future space module utilization. The studies are based on exploratory designs for...
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