DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURES FOR A HUMAN LUNAR BASE

TEAM - University of Technology Vienna , Vienna , Austria

Petra Gruber
Sandra Häuplik
Barbara Imhof
Heike Koch
Kürsad Özdemir
Rene Waclavicek

STUDENTS - University of Technology Vienna , Vienna , Austria

V. Kumer, B. Wisser, P. Mikolaicak, P. Pongratz, M. Schwarzgruber, V. Topaz, O. Wimmer

Centre for Biomimetics, Engineering, University of Reading , UK

G. Jeronimidis
R. Bonser

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study “Deployable Structures for a Lunar Base” within the field of Lunar Exploration Architecture was to investigate bionic concepts applicable to deployable structures and to interpret the findings for possible implementation concepts. The study aimed at finding innovative solutions for deployment possibilities. Translating folding/unfolding principles from nature, candidate geometries were developed and researched using models, drawings and visualisations. The use of materials, joints between structural elements and construction details were investigated for these conceptual approaches.

Reference scenarios were used to identify the technical and environmental conditions, which served as design drivers. Mechanical issues and the investigation of deployment processes narrowed the selection down to six chosen concepts. Their applicability was evaluated at a conceptual stage in relation to the timescale of the mission.

In late 2005 Alcatel Alenia Space awarded a contract to the Institute for Architecture and Design – HB 2 at the University of Technology Vienna to explore the possibilities for deployable structures derived from bionic concepts within the Lunar Exploration Architecture study.

The purpose of this project was to investigate bionic concepts applicable to deployable structures and to interpret the findings for possible implementation concepts for a human lunar base.

Where human experience is limited, role models from nature can deliver solutions exceeding the imagination of technicians and engineers. For the successful transfer of natural principles into technical application some difficulties have to be overcome. One reason for failing to translate nature´s concepts into terrestrial applications is the scaling problem. As most bionic role models are smaller than technical (architectural) interpretations, the deadweight is limiting the resizing. Therefore a partial gravity environment as the Moon is advantageous for the application of those concepts. In this study, we concentrated our efforts onto “folding/unfolding” techniques.

The Department of Design and Building Construction has been active in the research of biomimetics and space design for the past six years, developing interdisciplinary design programs. The experience of these students' projects and the collection of candidate bionic role models served as a base for the study.