ABSTRACT
The chapter thoroughly describes a CHEM self-deployable structure. The CHEM technology utilizes SMPs in open-cell foam structures or sandwich structures made of SMP foam cores and polymeric laminated-composite skins. The lightweight CHEM foam structures are deployed via the SME and the foam’s elastic recovery. The key to this technology is to use the SMP-material systems for the deployment of compacted structures. The fundamental thermomechanical mechanism of the SME and the stages in utilization and processing cycle of a CHEM structure are scrupulously described and illustrated. The chapter reveals advantages of this technology over other deployable structures. The overall simplicity of the CHEM process is one of its greatest assets. It provides a simple end-to-end process for designing, fabricating, stowing, deploying and rigidizing space structures that has the additional benefits of low mass, low cost, high reliability and great simplicity.
