Deployment of a Shape Memory Composite in Near Space: An Interdisciplinary Platform for Undergraduate Student Research

The establishment of the Wright State University (WSU) high altitude balloon program creates an opportunity to conduct experiments in near space environments. Recently developed materials such as shape memory polymer composites are ideal for space applications due to their high specific stiffness (elastic modulus divided by density) and ability to be stowed into a small size for launch in conventional space vehicles, then deployed to full operational size and form once in space. Such characteristics allow for space based structures to become larger and lighter than structures currently used in space. There are various issues associated with deploying shape memory polymer composites in space, such as deployment characteristics in zero gravity, activation of the shape memory properties, and achieving the power required for activation and deployment of the shape memory polymer composite. However, testing materials in space based environments is often impractical due to the complexity and cost involved. This creates an opportunity to conduct testing of a shape memory polymer composite, provided by ILC Dover, in near space environments using a high altitude balloon platform. By the end of this project, the design team plans to have accomplished the deployment of a shape memory polymer composite during the flight of a high altitude balloon platform.