lvedra
Structural
- Feb 18, 2004
- 1
Im working on a project that calls for a large inflatable membrane (5-10m dia). The membrane needs to be relatively elastic (400-500% hoop/axial strain) in order to produce geometric deformations in response to various site conditions (thus no pvc, something more like latex). however, i would like the material to be rigidified after a certain strain has been reached. I have been looking into kevlar textile with a thermoplastic matrix. thus inflation could occur with a heated gas, the membrane would expand uniformly as per site condition and when the gas cools, the membrane would be rigid. further heating would allow for more change (either locally or globally). am i in the realm of possible with this and if so, what types of materials, sizes and products can i look at?