Ultra lightweight thin membrane antenna reflector
OwnerLouis B. Brydoninventor
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Abstract
Space antenna reflectors comprising composite membranes having a fabric core comprising high modulus fibers, such as of graphite, woven along three or more axes and encapsulated within a cured plastic as a single ply composite material, such reflectors having quasi isotropic strength properties, i.e., the same strength, thermal stability and distortion-resistance in substantially all directions although they are based upon a single, lightweight ply of woven graphite fabric. The present reflectors may have a molded or honeycomb support, for attachment to a spacecraft or satellite.
Claims8
An ultra lightweight thin membrane space antenna reflector which is reflective of high frequency radiation, including microwaves, and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, consisting of a composite of a single ply, single layer fabric woven of high strength, high modulus fibers and embedded within a cured polymer, said single ply, single layer fabric being woven from high strength fibers which are oriented along at least three distinct axes to provide said fabric with quasi-isotropic strength properties whereby it possesses the same strength, thermal stability and distortion-resistance in substantially all directions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.