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AA 114Q: Large Space Structures

In space, large structures are often advantageous - large diameter telescopes allow us to explore the origins of our universe and large antennas allow us to track climate change and get large amounts of data back down to Earth. However, our ability to get large structures into space is limited by the size of modern rocket fairings, causing large space structures to be designed very differently from those on Earth. This seminar focuses on the design principles used by aerospace engineers to realize large space structures. 

Origami membrane deployment using tape springs - Kai Fronsdal and Alice Ku

Origami flasher deployment using articulated ring - Helen Deng and Samuel Montagut Agudelo

AA 236B: Spacecraft Design Lab

This course is a deep-dive into the design, implementation, and testing of deployable spacecraft structures. Students work in groups to design a deployable CubeSat structure advancing the current state-of-the-art. Students create structural prototypes and employ testing strategies specific to deployable structures, such as gravity-offloading, to verify compliance against mechanical requirements.

AA 156: Introduction to Mechanics of Composite Materials

This course introduces students to fiber reinforced polymer composites and the prediction of elastic properties and failure. The course explores the microstructure of fiber composites, how it influences material properties, and how the design of composite materials differs from isotropic materials like metals. Students investigate these topics through hands-on design tasks.