Active polymers for space applications

Membrane/inflatable structures for space applications holds great promise. Their reduced launch mass and stowed volume suggest the possibility of large aperture antenna and reflectors for increased resolution, and solar sails and shades that can span great distances. However, their extreme flexibility provides for significant engineering challenges. Control of their shape will require sensors and actuators that are complementary with the lightweight and flexible nature of these structures. Active polymers such as PVDF fit this role well, and we begin this paper with a review of the mechanical properties of this material. Then we provide an analytical example that shows how PVDF might be applied to improve the shape of a doubly-curved membrane reflector