Evaluating the Stress-Strain Behavior of a Large Composite Shell During Curing in Free Space

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Abstract

The study examines the stress-strain state (SSS) and shape changes of a large cylindrical shell made of composite material, cured under the influence of direct solar radiation and reflected radiation from the Earth in the conditions of open space in near-Earth orbits. A distinctive feature of the problem under consideration is the change in the mechanical properties of the binder material of the structure, caused by two factors: temperature variation and the degree of curing of the binder. The dependence of the material properties on temperature changes at a fixed degree of curing is reversible. The dependence of the properties on the degree of curing is irreversible. Both factors occur simultaneously and can be described by independent kinetic equations. The aim of this work is to develop a numerical methodology for investigating the SSS of structures, taking into account both of these factors. The proposed methodology is a generalization of I.I. Bugakov's instantaneous vitrification model to the case of small time increments and irreversible changes in the material characteristics of the polymer. The methodology is demonstrated through the study of the SSS of a large cylindrical composite shell. The states of the shell are considered on a low near-Earth polar orbit, where the heat flux from the Sun and the Earth is taken into account, and on a high orbit, where only solar heating is considered. In both cases, due to the irreversible change in the properties of the binder as a result of its curing, residual stresses and deformations arise, leading to shape changes in the shell, such as elongation or shortening of its axis, bending, and distortion of the cross-sectional shape. The proposed methodology for investigating the SSS of structures made of materials whose properties irreversibly change during loading can be used not only for calculating composite structures in space conditions but also for studying residual stresses and shape changes in products in technological applications.

Keywords

space constructurelarge-sized cylindrical shellcomposite materialdegree of curingirreversible changes of mechanical propertiesstress stateshape change

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Article information

Published
8 December 2025
Issue date
8 December 2025
Issue
No. 4 (2025)
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