Abstract: A shape-memory reflector is provided according to various embodiments. The shape-memory reflector may comprise any of various shapes; for example, the shape-memory reflector may comprise an off-axis paraboloid or a non-asymmetric shape. The shape-memory reflector may include a plurality of panel shape-memory stiffeners and a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners. In a stowed configuration, the shape-memory reflector is stowed with reversing bends in the panel shape-memory stiffeners. In a deployed state, the panel shape-memory stiffeners may be unfolded and/or extended. The reflector transitions between the stowed and deployed states by heating the panel shape-memory stiffeners. Various methods for stowing and deploying the shape-memory reflector are also disclosed.

Abstract: Deployable structures are disclosed having collapsible structural members that include a stowed configuration with a volume smaller than the expanded configuration. Such structures can include and/or be used for litters, bridges, support structures, solar arrays, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more slit-tube longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.

Abstract: A deployable structure that may include a slit-tube longeron and a flat panel coupled with the slit-tube longeron. The slit-tube longeron may include a tubular member having a slit that runs along the longitudinal length of the slit-tube longeron. The deployable structure may be configured to couple with a satellite. And the deployable structure may be configured to transform between a stowed state and a deployed state where the tubular member is substantially straight when the deployable structure is in the deployed state, and the tubular member is wrapped around the satellite when the deployable structure is in the stowed state.

Abstract: Deployable structures are disclosed having collapsible structural members that include a stowed configuration with a volume smaller than the expanded configuration. Such structures can include and/or be used for litters, bridges, support structures, solar arrays, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more slit-tube longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.

Abstract: A deformable sandwich panel is disclosed according to one embodiment. The deformable sandwich panel may include first and second face sheets. These face sheets may each comprise a first and second surface and be substantially flat. The deformable sandwich panel also includes a shape memory material sandwiched between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The shape memory material may be in continuous contact with a substantial portion of the first surface of the first face sheet and with a substantial portion of the first surface of the second face sheet. The deformable sandwich panel may be fabricated with a first shape, deformed into a second shape and then deployed back to the first shape. The first and second shapes may be maintained without mechanical loads.

Abstract: A shape-memory reflector is provided according to various embodiments. The shape-memory reflector may comprise any of various shapes; for example, the shape-memory reflector may comprise an off-axis paraboloid or a non-asymmetric shape. The shape-memory reflector may include a plurality of panel shape-memory stiffeners and a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners. In a stowed configuration, the shape-memory reflector is stowed with reversing bends in the panel shape-memory stiffeners. In a deployed state, the panel shape-memory stiffeners may be unfolded and/or extended. The reflector transitions between the stowed and deployed states by heating the panel shape-memory stiffeners. Various methods for stowing and deploying the shape-memory reflector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape-memory reflector is disclosed along with methods for manufacturing, packaging and deploying the same. The shape-memory reflector may include an elastic reflector material, a shape-memory stiffener, and a plurality of radial stiffeners. The shape-memory stiffener may be coupled with the elastic reflector material in a band that encloses at least a portion of the elastic reflector surface, for example, the exterior of a paraboloid reflector. The plurality of radial stiffeners is coupled with the bottom surface of the elastic reflector material and extends radially from a central portion of the elastic reflector surface toward the outer edge of the elastic reflector surface. The shape-memory reflector may be packaged in a packaged configuration that includes a plurality of pleats within the elastic reflector material and/or the shape-memory stiffener, and the shape-memory reflector is configured to deploy into a deployed configuration (i.e. a paraboloid) by heating the shape-memory stiffener.

Abstract: A shape-memory reflector is disclosed along with methods for manufacturing, packaging and deploying the same. The shape-memory reflector may include an elastic reflector material, a shape-memory stiffener, and a plurality of radial stiffeners. The shape-memory stiffener may be coupled with the elastic reflector material in a band that encloses at least a portion of the elastic reflector surface, for example, the exterior of a paraboloid reflector. The plurality of radial stiffeners is coupled with the bottom surface of the elastic reflector material and extends radially from a central portion of the elastic reflector surface toward the outer edge of the elastic reflector surface. The shape-memory reflector may be packaged in a packaged configuration that includes a plurality of pleats within the elastic reflector material and/or the shape-memory stiffener, and the shape-memory reflector is configured to deploy into a deployed configuration (i.e. a paraboloid) by heating the shape-memory stiffener.

Abstract: A deformable sandwich panel is disclosed according to one embodiment. The deformable sandwich panel may include first and second face sheets. These face sheets may each comprise a first and second surface and be substantially flat. The deformable sandwich panel also includes a shape memory material sandwiched between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The shape memory material may be in continuous contact with a substantial portion of the first surface of the first face sheet and with a substantial portion of the first surface of the second face sheet. The deformable sandwich panel may be fabricated with a first shape, deformed into a second shape and then deployed back to the first shape. The first and second shapes may be maintained without mechanical loads.