ABSTRACT
This chapter précises the research activities on the comprehensive characterization of CHEM technology. Structural models were developed, fabricated and tested to demonstrate, characterize and allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the CHEM processing cycle. A simple computer model was developed to predict the behavior of CHEM structures under different thermomechanical environments. Other characteristic such as a long-term room temperature storage/hibernation effects on force and strain recovery of compacted structure was also investigated. In addition, the sensor/device system was examined for monitoring and controlling the shape and size of CHEM structure recovery during deployment and space operations.
