Isotensoid Decelerator Fabrication and Test - ILC Dover

ILC Dover supported NASA Langley Research Center by fabricating isotensoid models to be used for a set of ground tests (wind-tunnel and ballistic range), materials development studies, and system trade studies to advance various aspects of the inflatable decelerator technology. The work was performed under the PAI-DAE program and funded by the Hypersonics and Supersonics Project of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program at NASA. The program conducts research and development necessary to demonstrate the inflatable aerodynamic decelerator (IAD) technology as both an entry systems technology and a supersonic decelerator technology.

In addition to the test articles, ILC performed in-depth experimental mechanics study of the stress-strain behavior of isotensoid woven fabric materials. The results for this work enhances the predictive capability of finite element numerical models by providing experimental data for the material law implementation.