Development of a Shape Memory Coilable Boom Using Elastic Memory Composite Material

A recent advancement in technology for deployable spacecraft structures has been the development of elastic memory composite (EMC) materials that exhibit high-strain-capacity and shape memory characteristics. EMC materials can be folded to very high induced strain and "frozen" in this folded state through a very specific thermo-mechanical cycle. Subsequently, the "frozen" strains can be recovered by re-heating the part. The ability to internally contain strain energy provides an advantage over traditional high-strain materials (e.g., S2-glass/epoxy). The present paper will focus on a program to develop carbon-fiber-reinforced EMC coilable longerons for the CoilABLE^TM boom. Specifically, the present paper will include: (1) a description of the baseline design corresponding to the CoilABLE ground test article, (2) a discussion on the mechanics of inducing high strain into EMC materials, (3) development of the EMC longerons, and (4) results from the assembly and testing of the final test article.