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Exploring the Feasibility of Developing Expandable Station Modules for Generating Artificial Gravity Using Origami Principles / JONATHAN MORGAN
Swansea University Author: JONATHAN MORGAN
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Copyright: The Author, Jonathan C. Morgan Distributed under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY 4.0).
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Abstract
Microgravity is an ever-present challenge facing astronauts who spend any significant time in orbit due to its degenerative health effects on the human body. These health effects will be unacceptable for longer duration missions away from Earth, such as those to Mars, as the crew must maintain their...
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Swansea University, Wales, UK.
2024
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Jelic, Z. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68737 |
| Abstract: |
Microgravity is an ever-present challenge facing astronauts who spend any significant time in orbit due to its degenerative health effects on the human body. These health effects will be unacceptable for longer duration missions away from Earth, such as those to Mars, as the crew must maintain their physical capability to maximise the chances of mission success. This thesis explores the feasibility of a concept spacecraft module, making use of rigid-origami principles to produce an expandable structure, capable of being launched into orbit as a single object and requiring no further construction once launched. A module of this type would provide the crew with artificial gravity, particularly during non-work hours. A wide variety of considerations have been made to investigate the feasibility of such a module. Analysis using paper models showed that the module proposed in this thesis can be expected to fit within the standard payload fairings of the available launch vehicles. A mass estimate, using the calculated surface area of the ring structure and material data, showed that the module will weigh far less than the maximum payload weight of the proposed launch vehicles, providing the opportunity to also carry the necessary compressed air and internal furnishings on the same launch vehicle. GRANTA EduPack material property charts were used to determine that the best material for the rigid panels will likely fall into either the metals or polymers classifications. The findings of this thesis show that the proposed concept, while requiring further work to fully develop, is no longer held back by technological limitations as it was in the 20th century and can therefore be considered a feasible enhancement of space exploration. Furthermore, it may be critical to the success of future space exploration missions due to the increasingly long mission durations and the resulting effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
Artificial Gravity, Microgravity, Origami, Spacecraft Design |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |