Of
particular interest to our research are space fabrics that could be utilized
for the construction of a space elevator. The laboratory is
investigating a fascinating new approach to elevator construction that
uses an ethylene impregnated Kevlar loom to construct free standing
elevator towers. The demonstrator pictured (left) is 7 m in height and
stands at an inflation pressure of only 7 psi.
This
practical technology can be used to access near space regions not
previously accessible for tourism and communications. For example, a 20
km elevator would command a line-of-sight of 500 km and a fantastic view
of the Earth's limb. The tower would be able to perform much of the
communications functionality that currently requires geostationary
spacecraft.
A freestanding tower structure provides a convenient
and safe way to ascend to space without the environmental side effects
of rocketry. An artists impression of space elevator located in
Saskatoon, Canada is shown (left).
From 20 km altitude, orbit can be accessed for
only two thirds of the propellant needed from the ground saving
additional rocket stages. The tower could also form a practical base to
which a space tether could be lowered and attached. A space tether could
provide access directly to geostationary orbit 35,000 km above Earth if
tethers can be manufactured and deployed successfully.
Selected Publications
Zhu Z.H., Seth R.K., Quine B.M., 'Experimental
Investigation of Inflatable Cylindrical Cantilevered Beams', JP
Journal of Solids and Structures , vol. 2, issue 2, 95-110, 2008.
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The laboratory
provides the means to research materials and structural deformations at high
spatial resolutions. The research focussed on methodologies to verify bending
and vibration models and conducts leading edge research into space structures
including beams, tethers, and trusses.