Fluid pressurized structural components

Abstract

The instant invention employs the impressive capabilities of modern materials such as plastics, composites, and metal alloys of carrying large tension forces, enabling them to carry compression loads by converting the compressive force of internally contained pressurized fluids into distributed tension forces. The walls and membranes of the pressurized elements, and of the envelopes are not “inflated” as in structures made of flaccid or stretchable materials, but are made of substantially rigid materials whose rigidity is enhanced by the fluid pressures contained within. An important application of the principals set forth herein will be in the use of very high tensile strength materials such as titanium or aluminum that are not often considered for use in compression. The significant weight-savings so achieved make possible new applications that might include exotic airframes: lighter-than-air craft, or small robotic solar-powered aircraft to be used for survey, surveillance, or communication.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.