Active Adhesion Concepts for In-Orbit Structural Construction

A contmuum-based theory of active adhesion contact-impact is presented for the in-orbit assembly of structural elements. The present theory assumes the manufac turability of active adhesion elements by piezoelectric or similar materials. It is shown that the block bonding characteristics, while resisting block debonding which is observed for example in glass-polyurethane bonding, can offer an effective alternative to optimal control-based impact surge force mitigation strategies as many non-smooth control prob lems are difficult to synthesize and implement. Design concepts that utilize a combined serial/parallel bonded and debonded active adhesion elements made of cascaded piezoelectric devices are offered.