Material selection and joining methods for the purpose of a high-altitude inflatable kite

Conference paper (2009)
Department
Aerodynamics & Wind Energy (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2009 The Author(s)
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Published Date

01-05-2009

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Source:

50th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Palm Springs, California, USA, 4-7 May, 2009

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerodynamics & Wind Energy

Abstract

This paper discusses the requirements for fabrics and joints for use in a long-endurance, high-altitude inflatable kite. Calculations of the expected stresses as well as the consequences of scaling with respect to these stresses are discussed. An overview is given of currently available kite fabrics and their joining methods. Suitable fabrics and joining methods from the sailing and aerospace industry are evaluated. The results of several tests on both fabrics and joints are presented.

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