Skins' by Design: Humans to Habitats MoonFront LLC

Format:

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Mohanty, Susmita, author.

Conference Name:

International Conference On Environmental Systems (2003-07-07 : Vancouver, Canada)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 2003

Summary:

Whether we live on land, underwater, or out there in space, what makes it possible is our skin'. The one we were born with, the one we wear, the one we live in, and the one we travel inches The skin is a response to where we live: it protects as our first line of defense against a hostile environment; it regulates as part of our life-support system; and, it communicates as our interface to everything within and without.In the context of space architecture we, our space suits, vehicles and habitats are all equipped with highly specialized skins' that pad us, protect us and become an integral part of the design expression. This paper approaches the subject from a holistic perspective considering skins' and their manifestation as structure, as vessel, as texture, and as membrane.The paper then goes on to showcase innovative use of materials in practice through two case studies: the spacesuit' and inflatable habitats'. These case studies feature an in-depth analysis of the material properties of the selected skins' and their evolution. These case studies serve as a discussion point for how the concept of skins lends itself to innovation in design and helps visualize how it could potentially shape the future of space flight, exploration, and settlement. The paper ends with a concept of programmable habitat skin as a springboard for future deliberation

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

2003-01-2655

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license