{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":9525,"title":"Expandable/Foldable Structures for Habitat","primaryTaxonomyNodes":[{"taxonomyNodeId":10869,"taxonomyRootId":8816,"parentNodeId":10864,"level":3,"code":"TX12.2.5","title":"Innovative, Multifunctional Concepts","definition":"Innovative and multifunctional technologies combine subsystems/ capabilities into the structure for mass and volume savings beyond state of the art, include reconfigurable, adaptive and smart structures.","exampleTechnologies":"Multifunctional pressurized/non-pressurized structures including multi-use structures, actively controlled and adaptive structures, integrated windows, four dimensional printed parts, advanced heat exchangers with load-bearing capacity, excavating tools with integrated sensing, radiation and debris shielding with integrated sensing","hasChildren":false,"hasInteriorContent":true}],"startTrl":3,"currentTrl":5,"endTrl":5,"benefits":"Material folding lends itself to a number of applications from very sophisticated (aerospace) to the ordinary such as packaging materials. Kraft paper cores based on the folding techniques could yield a superior product to corrugated cardboard. Multi-layer blocks made from recyclable materials could replace Styrofoam for use in space filling and shock absorbing. For aerospace using aluminum or composite materials, the folded structures could improve upon the existing honeycomb cores, which are used throughout the airplane in the floors, luggage compartments, and wings. For the transportation industry, aluminum or steel folded tessellations in flat laminated panels could be used for high strength but lightweight truck beds. Folded materials could be specifically designed for automobile floors to give a resilient strength to the frame while also serving to dampen the overall vibrations of the automobile. The lightweight strength and energy absorbing properties are also suited for bumpers, hoods, and crash protecting car doors. On highways, new crash barriers may be possible because of their low cost and high-energy absorption.
The innovative folding method will make possible a technical break-through in tessellated architectures for expandable structures for planetary habitat applications. The new technology offers diverse capacity to design, manufacture, and self-assemble doubly periodically folded sheet material into structures that are lighter and more compactable than provided by current engineering practices. Some space-based applications include solar arrays, parabolic reflectors, sun and radiation shielding and extendable masts and booms. In addition to inflatable architectures, other strategies (including solar heating/radiation, elastic memory, and mechanical force) can be employed for self-activating and sustaining the unfolding process.","description":"Folded Structures Company (FSC) has developed an innovative design approach for multi-laminate, primary and secondary structures for planetary habitats that integrates the dynamic deployment means with the static structural design using an advanced mathematical folding theory. The design approach holds the promise of a much simpler expandable structure that is both lightweight and compactable (low delivery volume) and yet capable of extending into an expansive volume. FSC research supports the utilization of a new class of deployable, space-based structures that utilize an advanced folding methodology as the primary engineering and assembly method combined with the use of both single and multi-laminate sheet materials. The proprietary patterning algorithms create tessellations for planar sheets that articulate dynamically on the edges of the tessellation allowing for uniform deployment across the entire sheet. Previous to the development of these algorithms, there was no general system for generating doubly periodic folded structures. Based on results from a previous NASA SBIR project, FSC will apply its proprietary folding techniques and software to the broad topic of expandable habitat structures. The Phase I project has resulted in a design concept for the expandable bladder section of the proposed lunar habitat that also integrates the flooring into a single deployable structure.","startYear":2011,"startMonth":6,"endYear":2013,"endMonth":9,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":97360,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Daniel","lastName":"Kling","fullName":"Daniel Kling","fullNameInverted":"Kling, Daniel","primaryEmail":"dkling@foldedstructures.com","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":206378,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jason","lastName":"Kessler","fullName":"Jason L Kessler","fullNameInverted":"Kessler, Jason L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jason.l.kessler@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":215154,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Jennifer","lastName":"Gustetic","fullName":"Jennifer L Gustetic","fullNameInverted":"Gustetic, Jennifer L","middleInitial":"L","primaryEmail":"jennifer.l.gustetic@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":62051,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Carlos","lastName":"Torrez","fullName":"Carlos Torrez","fullNameInverted":"Torrez, Carlos","primaryEmail":"carlos.torrez@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"projectManagers":[{"contactId":3164237,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Bill","lastName":"Doggett","fullName":"Bill Doggett","fullNameInverted":"Doggett, Bill","primaryEmail":"William.R.Doggett@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":461333,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Theresa","lastName":"Stanley","fullName":"Theresa M Stanley","fullNameInverted":"Stanley, Theresa M","middleInitial":"M","primaryEmail":"theresa.m.stanley@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[],"transitions":[{"transitionId":66172,"projectId":9525,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2011-06-01","path":"Advanced From","relatedProjectId":8134,"relatedProject":{"acronym":"","projectId":8134,"title":"Expandable/Foldable Structures for Habitat","startTrl":3,"currentTrl":4,"endTrl":4,"benefits":"Material folding lends itself to a number of applications from very sophisticated (aerospace) to the ordinary such as packaging materials. Kraft paper cores based on the folding techniques could yield a superior product to corrugated cardboard. The chevron pattern could be used in a single layer to absorb shock similar to bubble-wrap. Multi-layer blocks could replace Styrofoam for use in space-filling and shock absorbing. For aerospace using aluminum or composite materials, the folded structures could improve upon the existing honeycomb cores, which are used throughout the airplane in the floors, luggage compartments, and wings. For the transportation industry, aluminum or steel folded tessellations in flat laminated panels could be used for high strength but lightweight truck beds. Folded materials could be specifically designed for automobile floors to give a resilient strength to the frame while also serving to dampen the overall vibrations of the automobile. The lightweight strength and energy absorbing properties are also suited for bumpers, hoods, and crash protecting car doors. On highways, new crash barriers may be possible because of their low cost and high-energy absorption.
Applying, adapting and/or additional development of the proposed folding theory will provide a technical break-through in folding architectures for expandable structures (such as floors, airlocks, and connecting tunnels) for lunar habitat applications. Other space-based applications include arrays, parabolic reflectors, sun and radiation shielding and extendable masts and booms. In addition to inflatable architectures, other strategies (including solar heating/radiation, elastic memory, and mechanical force) can be employed for self-activating and sustaining the unfolding process.","description":"Folded Structures Company (FSC) proposes the development of an innovative design approach for multi-laminate, primary and secondary structures for planetary habitats that integrates the dynamic deployment means with the static structural design using an advanced mathematical folding theory. The proposed approach holds the promise of a much simpler structure design that is both lightweight and compactable (low delivery volume) and yet capable of expanding into an expansive surface volume. FSC research indicates the possibility of a new class of deployable, space-based structures that utilize an advanced folding methodology as the primary engineering and assembly method combined with the use of multi-laminate sheet materials. The proprietary patterning algorithms design tessellations for planar sheets that articulate dynamically on the edges of the tessellation allowing for uniform deployment across the entire sheet. Previous to the development of these algorithms, there was no general system for generating doubly periodic folded structures. Based on results from a previous NASA SBIR project, FSC will apply its proprietary folding techniques to the broad topic of expandable habitat structures. The proposed project will essentially become the demonstration stage for the previous research effort, and thus, extend and provide continuity to the ongoing NASA interest in this area.","startYear":2010,"startMonth":1,"endYear":2010,"endMonth":7,"statusDescription":"Completed","website":"","program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"
The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
","programId":73,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":380,"endDateString":"Jul 2010","startDateString":"Jan 2010"},"infoText":"Advanced from another project within the program","infoTextExtra":"Another project within the program (Expandable/Foldable Structures for Habitat)","dateText":"June 2011"},{"transitionId":66171,"projectId":9525,"transitionDate":"2013-09-01","path":"Closed Out","closeoutDocuments":[{"title":"Final Summary Chart","file":{"fileExtension":"ppt","fileId":306172,"fileName":"SBIR_2009_2_FSC_X4.02-8435","fileSize":224768,"objectId":66171,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":1841,"code":"TRANSITION_FILES","description":"Transition Files","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"fileSizeString":"219.5 KB"},"transitionId":66171,"fileId":306172}],"infoText":"Closed out","infoTextExtra":"","dateText":"September 2013"}],"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"program":{"acronym":"SBIR/STTR","active":true,"description":"The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization. If you are a small business concern (SBC) with 500 or fewer employees or a non-profit RI such as a university or a research laboratory with ties to an SBC, then NASA encourages you to learn more about the SBIR and STTR programs as a potential source of seed funding for the development of your innovations.
The SBIR and STTR programs have 3 phases:
The SBIR and STTR Phase I contracts last for 6 months with a maximum funding of $125,000, and Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000 - $1.5 million.
Opportunity for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II:
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program currently has in place two initiatives for supporting its small business partners past the basic Phase I and Phase II elements of the program that emphasize opportunities for commercialization. Specifically, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program has the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options.
Please review the links below to obtain more information on the SBIR/STTR programs.
Provides an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs as implemented by NASA
Provides access to the annual SBIR/STTR Solicitations containing detailed information on the program eligibility requirements, proposal instructions and research topics and subtopics
Schedule and links for the SBIR/STTR solicitations and selection announcements
Federal and non-Federal sources of assistance for small business
Search our complete archive of awarded project abstracts to learn about what NASA has funded
Still have questions? Visit the program FAQs
","programId":73,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36648,"title":"Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer"},"leadOrganization":{"canUserEdit":false,"city":"Ringoes","congressionalDistrict":"New Jersey 07","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":true,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":3332,"organizationName":"Folded Structures Company, LLC","organizationType":"Industry","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"NJ","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"New Jersey","stateTerritoryId":28},"stateTerritoryId":28,"ein":"743185214 ","uei":"VRCPYNB72E87","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"Industry"},"supportingOrganizations":[{"acronym":"LaRC","canUserEdit":false,"city":"Hampton","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4852,"organizationName":"Langley Research Center","organizationType":"NASA_Center","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"VA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Virginia","stateTerritoryId":7},"stateTerritoryId":7,"naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Center"}],"statesWithWork":[{"abbreviation":"NJ","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"New Jersey","stateTerritoryId":28},{"abbreviation":"VA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Virginia","stateTerritoryId":7}],"lastUpdated":"2024-1-10","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":450,"endDateString":"Sep 2013","startDateString":"Jun 2011"}}