Inflatable bistable Kresling structures as deployable towers

The next generation of lunar exploration requires the establishment of extensive lunar infrastructure. Tall towers for power generation, navigation, communications, and other research activities are a critical component of this infrastructure. However, construction of these towers on the lunar surface presents unique challenges. Construction diminishes research time, increases risk to astronauts, and may be challenging to perform in required spacesuits. An alternative is to deliver the assembled structures to the surface, but this has its own challenges due to the size of the structures (which is limited by payload volumes), a need to find suitable sites for landing and deployment, and a lack of an ability to relocate the structure or collapse it for service. To address these challenges, we investigate cylindrical towers comprising Kresling unit cells. The Kresling pattern is known for its buckling behavior in which deformations are isolated to creases in the structure. In certain geometric configurations, these structures are bistable such that once deployed, the structure is able to support an axial load without collapsing. Similarly, the structure remains in the stowed configuration until sufficient axial force is applied to deploy the structure. The height, deployment dynamics, and structural performance can be tailored through the geometric design of the Kresling structure, and multiple Kresling units can be stacked to form tall towers. We seek an understanding of the deployment dynamics and load carrying capabilities of Kresling structures. Analytical models are used to parametrically investigate the Kresling structures. We study the effects of the aspect ratio of the unit cell, the initial angle, and the order of the polygon defining the top and bottom surfaces on the force-displacement behavior of the structures. Prototype towers will be additively manufactured and tested to evaluate their deployment dynamics and structural performance. The knowledge gained through this study will lead to deployable towers for lunar surface infrastructure that reduces mechanical complexity, deployment logistics, and risk.