GS1005 Experimental Study on Insect Wing-inspired Inflatable Space Structure

Inflatable structures are desirable as space structures from several points of view. However, to fully leverage these advantages, it is important to optimize the storage method. The unstable behavior becomes issues at the time of deployment. Because insect wings can be surely developed and are efficient deployable membrane in nature, their structural characteristics are suitable for designing new deployable space inflatable structures. In this study, we investigate the parameter that realizes a high storing rate and certain deployment by observing insect wings, and qualitatively and quantitatively assess the deployment characteristics of insect wings by conducting some deployment experiments. Beside, we apply the deployment characteristics to membranes and show the usefulness of deployment characteristics.