How 4D printing can bring sustainability to space exploration?

Dr. Antoine Le Duigou
University of South Brittany (France)
Host：Hiromi YASUDA（Department of Space Flight Systems, ISAS/JAXA）

Traditional responsive structures used in the space environment often rely on complex materials and intricate mechanical systems involving multiple moving parts, which are not only prone to mechanical failure but also often present high energy expenditure. Therefore, sustainable exploration of severe environment would only happen if several conditions are fulfilled: In-situ resource utilization, in situ manufacturing, multifunctionality including fully autonomous adaptability and robustness and, finally, a controlled degradation. In this work supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), we propose innovative solutions that harness adaptive local material feedstock (Regolith for space exploration) produced via 4D printing to achieve autonomous and shape-changing metacomposite materials upon external stimuli, such as the variation of the surrounding environment. Based on a top-down biomimicry approach, the inspiration for the developed 4D printed structures relies on the relationship between architecture and the function of relevant living organisms that have achieved efficient passive shape changing strategies (seed dispersal mechanisms for nastic motion and the sunflower for tropic motions). The biological principle is then abstracted and turned into a shape-changing metacomposite through the multiscale 4D printing process (from 20 cm to 2 m). Thus, the proposed materials are able to convert the surrounding environmental energy into a trade-off of a passive shape changing motion and high load bearing potential turning through the use of Continuous fibre reinforced polymer. By combining insights from biological systems, materials science, mechanical engineering and technology, this study is intended as a step towards the development of frugal shape changing metamaterials that meet the stringent requirements of extreme environment exploration. A final discussion will be proposed about the potential application of these novel paradigmatic materials.

Conference Room A (1257) (2nd floor/ New Building A),　Via Zoom