7.17 structure can be analyzed with a high degree of reliability. The above qualities are compelling reasons for the final choice of the Fail Safe Plate/Stiffener type of construction. VII.3.4: The Hull Concept: The hull underwent several design and configuration changes (see Chapter VI) consisting first of a separate shield and a rotating hull and finally progressing to the present concept of a double hull with an integral shield. This integral shield-double hull concept implies that the external structures which support a mirror and power generating system must also be spun with the hull. This leads to a complex structural system to hold the light mirror and the solar power panels together and provide a close surface tolerance for aiming purposes. A cable structure connecting the interior circumferential points of the mirror and solar panels with the central boom has been proposed along with a simple truss system along the outside of the mirror assembly. Detailed static and dynamic analysis are required for these peripheral structures but were beyond the scope of this report. The major structural design in this report emphasizes the analysis of the colony;s hull and interior structures. When the double hull was proposed, it was decided to place bulkheads between the two hulls to perform several jobs. First, they provide a method of linking the two hulls together so that their spin rates can be controlled as a single unit. Secondly, the bulkheads form many (510) pressure tight compartments which isolate any damage to either the inner or outer hulls. This should help guarantee the saf~ty of the colony's inhabitants should a failure occur in the outer hull. The bulkheads provide a convenient means of initially spreading the shielding material throughout the hull and they guarantee that the shielding stays evenly spread during spin-up. Finally, they provide a thermal pathway for the internal heat to flow to the outer hull and be radiated away. This thermal flow is a complex problem which influenced the hull's final configuration and is explained in detail in Section VI.10. The major drawback of using the bulkheads for compartmentation is the added difficulty during assembly and analysis. During assembly, the bulkheads require additional fastening and they also
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