Every us launch system developed to date has assumed the need for extreme reliability and maximum obtainable performance in the primary components of the structure and propulsion system. this approach stretches the limits of available technology, and has repeatedly resulted in launch systems which… More

The pultrusion process is one of the least expensive methodsfor producing structural components from advanced composite materials. the process has traditionally suffered from the inability to produce parts of repeatedly consistent quality. american composite technology (act) has been actively… More

Many potential space systems will require structures capable of maintaining extremely tight tolerances on dimensions and vibrations. one approach to achieving the necessary tolerances is to employ trusses made using smart structures. a smart structure is one in which the control, sensing and… More

The air force desires to pultrude very thin tubes. during phase i, act will design a pultrusion system capable of automating the production of very thin-walled tubes, with wall thicknesses ranging from 1.0 to 0.2 mm. some keys to reducing minimum pultrudable wall-thickness include the development of… More