STRUCTURAL FABRIC PROGRAM

Abstract : A structural fabric investigation, related to aerospace applications, was initiated to provide a means of manufacturing large low-density Airmat structures made of metallic cloth and yarns capable of small volume packaging. The effort included an investigation into the problem of drop yarn entanglement as found after weaving the prototype Airmat sample. As a result of new sample weaving studies, it was determined that the intra-weave method of producing deep Airmat was not feasible, whereupon a new method was evolved utilizing a mechanical drop yarn extension system which proved to be entirely feasible. It was then decided to proceed with the loom design and to include this new method of producing deep Airmat. These efforts are directed toward the development of a loom procurement specification and the actual procurement of a loom capable of producing a low density Airmat in the order of 10- to 20-ft wide with a maximum depth of 8 feet.