Applications of cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) structures

Witold M. Sokolowski; Shunichi Hayashi

doi:10.1117/12.483480

5 August 2003 Applications of cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) structures

Witold M. Sokolowski, Shunichi Hayashi

Proceedings Volume 5056, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.483480
Event: Smart Structures and Materials, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Experiments and analyses have confirmed the feasibility of an innovative, new class of very simple, reliable, low mass, low packaging volume, and low-cost self-deployable structures for space and commercial applications. The material technology called "cold hibernated elastic memory" (CHEM) utilizes shape memory polymers in open cellular (foam) structures. The CHEM foams are self-deployable and are using the foam's elastic recovery plus their shape memory to erect structures. These structures are under development by the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Currently, the CHEM structure concept is well formulated, with clear space and commercial applications. The CHEM structures are described here and their major advantages are identified over other expandable/deployable structures. Previous experimental results were very encouraging and indicated that the CHEM foam technology can perform robustly in the Earth environment as well as in space. Some potential space applications were studied under various programs at JPL with promising results. Although the space community will be the major beneficiary, a lot of potential commercial applications are also foreseen for the "Earth environment" and described in this paper as well.

Citation Download Citation

Witold M. Sokolowski and Shunichi Hayashi "Applications of cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) structures", Proc. SPIE 5056, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Smart Structures and Integrated Systems, (5 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.483480

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available