Design analysis and testing of solar cell modules, phase 2. Final report

Elasto-mechanical properties of two different solar cell module structures were determined: a rigid structure made of glass fiber reinforced epoxy face sheets covering aluminum honeycomb and a flexible structure made of glass fiber reinforced Kapton. Properties determined in two different structure directions were: thermal expansion coefficient, Young's modules, fracture stress, bending stiffness, transverse rigidity and shear stiffness. The investigations were performed between -196 and +195C. A computer program for calculating interactions between the structures considered and the solar cells was modified by adding some special soubroutines. The behavior of the sandwich structure cell was determined for external and internal loads. Analytical results are supported by verification tests.