Novel deployable structural systems

Abstract

This paper deals with the development of deployable structures for civilian and military application. While various forms of deployable shelters are reviewed, there is no clear indication of protection ability of the existing shelters. Tests on armour materials by field blast and laboratory bullet shootings confirm the possibility of robustness enhancement for deployable structures. It is concluded that the marriage of deployable forms and protective materials allows emergence of new deployable protective shelters, which is a balance of low weight, deployability, and protection level. Another important direction of developing deployable form is in energy harvesting system for buildings. Deployable system in this design includes electrical devices to collect energy and its mobility allows high level of solar energy yield.