An innovative material for space-oriented structures and habitat design

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate a new and innovative sandwich material evaluating its capability for use in space habitat structural components in deployable and foldable configurations. The main habitat requirements were considered in the preliminary design of a typical space outpost, proposing a preliminary architecture. Design/methodology/approach – The stiffness properties of the innovative sandwich (MAdFlex VR ) were evaluated using numerical and experimental investigations. Four-point bending tests were performed for complete sandwich characterization. Numerical FE simulations were performed using typical material properties and performance. The application to a space habitat main structure as a basic material has also been discussed and presented. Findings – MAdFlex basic stiffness performances have been determined considering its double behavior: sufficiently stiff if loaded in a specific direction, flexible if loaded in the opposite direction and enhanced folding performance. Successful application to a typical space habitat confirms the validity and convenience of such a material in designing alternative structures. Research limitations/implications – The innovative material demonstrates wide potential for structural application and design in demanding space situations under operating conditions and in stored ones at launch. Practical implications – Several simple deployable structural components can be designed and optimized both for the space environment and for the more traditional terrestrial applications. Social implications – Simplification in structural design can be derived from deployable low-weight items. Originality/value – Innovative customized material in sandwich configuration has been proposed and investigated with the aim to demonstrate its potentiality and validity in alternative design architecture.