Development of high-specific-strength envelope materials

Abstract

High-specific-strength fabric envelopes were developed and tested. A tensile strength of 1000N/cm with a weight of 230 gram/m2 was attained by the use of ultra-high-strength fibers, PBO, and polyarylate fibers as load carriers. For some envelopes, the bonded joint strength was evaluated, focusing on the high-temperature tensile strength and creep properties because the strength of the envelope structure was determined by the joint shear strength. The joint tensile strength was evaluated at about 1000 N/cm, and the creep rupture time was 69 days under the conditions of a 20% maximum load at a temperature of 70°C and under a 35% load at only 7 days. © 2003 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.