Gas cells pump up super strong structures

Article Abstract:

The potential applications for Stressfoil structures are not restricted to military or aerospace uses, according to AEA Technology's Culham Laboratories, developer of the components. The Stressfoil struts and panels, made from stainless steel or titanium foil, are inflated with helium to a pressure of some 5 bar, which makes the components behave like high strength, rigid structures. Possible uses include offshore platforms, bridges, ships and solar panels, or any other application in which the weight of stressed components needs to be reduced without the mechanical performance being restricted. Stressfoil structures give an estimated weight saving of 30% compared with traditional advanced honeycomb structures.

Usage, Product development, Strains and stresses, Stresses (Materials), Metal foil, Metal foils

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Good joint design enhances aluminium structures

Article Abstract:

Poor joints negate the advantages of using light alloys as they are the potential weak spot of aluminium structures. Joint design may involve mechanical fixing, welding or adhesive bonding. Mechanical fastening with nuts and bolts or rivets is usually the first choice. Nuts and bolts may be aluminium, carbon or stainless steel. However, joints may also be formed through soldering, welding or brazing. Alloy composition may limit suitability of brazing and soldering but adhesive bonding is suitable for all alloys.

Design and construction, Aluminum construction, Light metals, Joints (Construction), Joints (Engineering)

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Hollow metal balls build into structures

Article Abstract:

A European Space Agency project has developed a process enabling the manufacture of hollow balls with an uninterrupted skin. The process facilitates the construction of light-weight structures by adhesion. Metal or organic materials may be used. The process improves traditional techniques as there are no holes or joins. A polystyrene core sphere forms the base for three coatings. At the end of the process the sphere is dissolved leaving a shell.

Innovations, Materials, Lightweight construction

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