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About usSpacecraft structuresTerms of ReferenceDuties of the Structures section
Technology areasAntenna structures
Composite Materials structuresFracture control / Damage toleranceInflatable structures for space applicationsMeteoroid and debris shieldingStructural verification of payloads and system hardware for human rated vehicles
Structural design and analysisConfiguration studiesStructural AnalysisLauncher-Spacecraft Coupled Loads AnalysisFluid Structure InteractionVibro-Accoustic Analysis
Project supportProject support activities
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The Structures section is the technical focal point for aspects related to design, analysis, manufacturing, test and qualification of composite and ceramic structures.
In addition to technical support to ESA spacecraft and launcher development programmes in this domain, the Structures section is responsible for the implementation of composite structure technology developments in the frame of the various ESA technology programs such as TRP, GSTP, ITI, ARTES, FLPP and others. These developments range from feasibility studies for new composite technologies to qualification of new design concepts.
Supporting technologies, such as manufacturing and processing technologies, NDI, etc. are also developed within the range of activities.
Composite materials structures offer several advantages depending on the application:
Composite materials structures have become an integral part in the implementation of space vehicle developments
- Mass (spacecraft and launchers);
- Stiffness (mainly spacecraft);
- Strength (spacecraft but mainly launchers);
- thermo-elastic stability
(spacecraft structures as well as payloads);
Current Technology Programs focus on:
In the right hand navigation bar are some examples of recent developments.
- Composites for inflatable structures;
- Manufacturing process developments;
- Enhancement of properties by doping with CNT or nano Carbon fibers;
- Grid/lattice composite structures;
- Propellant tank applications, incl liners;
- Interface design technologies;
Last update: 7 January 2013
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