Multifunctional structures using high thermal conductivity fibres

This abstract summarizes the work performed within the frame of the Advanced Equipment Design (AED) project, ESA Contract 16725/02/NL/CK. The goal of the sub-activity c) was to develop a multifunctional structure (MFS) where structural, thermal and electrical functions are integrated. The Bread Board Model focuses on a mini-satellite spacecraft bus structure and has the PROTEUS bus as a reference application. The structure is based on lightweight composite panel of 500*280 mm² dimensions. To keep the doubler-associated mass increase as low as possible, the use of high thermal conductivity CFRP is a suited solution. These fibers are combined with mechanical resistance effective layers. The implementation of the MFS concept and its performance under representative environmental loading has been assessed to demonstrate the robustness of this system. Detailed analysis including FEM analysis, manufacturing and component level tests have been performed within the frame of this sub-activity. It can be concluded that the MFS (MultiFunctional Structures) technology has been applied and proved successfully. It is confirmed that important mass and volume savings can be obtained applying this technology. Light Weight structural materials with integral radiation shielding, thermal control and electronics. 44^th International SAMPE Symposium, May 1999.