Research
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Boom-deployed membrane structure
Boom-deployed membrane structure
We are studying deployable membrane structures that utilize the elastic force of cylindrical CFRP booms to deploy large membranes using a simple mechanism. We are also investigating designs that could replace conventional paddle-type deployable structures.
Boom-deployed membrane structure for CubeSats
Boom-deployed membrane structure for CubeSats
We are developing a boom-deployed membrane structure suitable for integration into CubeSats and for mounting thin film devices such as thin-film solar cells.
Folding pattern and deployment behavior of large drag sails
Folding pattern and deployment behavior of large drag sails
We are investigating folding patterns for large, triangular, deployable membrane structures used as drag sails. Our work includes ground-based deployment tests, analysis of deployment behavior via numerical simulation, scaling laws for the energy required for deployment, and estimation of on-orbit deployment behavior.
Lightweight, high-stiffness, semi-monocoque deployable membrane structures
Lightweight, high-stiffness, semi-monocoque deployable membrane structures
We are investigating the adoption of semi-monocoque construction to significantly enhance the strength and rigidity of deployable membrane structures while also facilitating ground-based deployment testing.
Thin film solar cell deployment membrane structure
Thin film solar cell deployment membrane structure
For large-scale, lightweight, deployable membrane structures utilizing thin-film solar cells, warping caused by orbital temperature fluctuations presents a challenge. We have fabricated a prototype membrane equipped with dummy cells that simulate the warping and are investigating a method to reduce the deformation by applying tension to the membrane.
High stiffneess self-deploying membrane structure
High stiffneess self-deploying membrane structure
The membrane materials used for space-deployable membrane structures are only a few microns thick, meaning the membranes alone cannot maintain its shape. We are investigating a high-stiffness self-deploying membrane structures by incorporating ribs and deployment actuators into the membranes.
PTFE resin diaphragm for oxidizer tanks
PTFE resin diaphragm for oxidizer tanks
Heavy metal diaphragms or surface tension devices are currently used for propellant expulsion from spacecraft oxidizer tanks; however, there is a need to develop lightweight diaphragms similar to those used in fuel tanks. To address this, we devised a method to fabricate a diaphragm by folding a single thin-walled PTFE sheet and verified its practicality through simple charging and discharging tests. We also developed a design that incorporates ribs on the exterior of a thicker resin diaphragm to stabilize its deformation behavior.
Others
Others
We are conducting research on methods for estimating the natural frequencies of deployable membrane structures, deployment simulation techniques, bio-inspired deployable membrane structures, and vibration and shock countermeasures for spacecraft components. We are also working on the development of retractable landing gear for the "Ohwashi" unmanned jet aircraft being developed at Muroran Institute of Technology.
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