7.71 the mechanical properties available in space processed materials. The data available for earth-processed metals may have little relation to that obtained for metals produced in a clean, zero-g environment. The effect of radiation on the properties of structural materials was not considered in this report and may provide an unforeseen constraint on the colony's safe life. This possibility must, of course, be investigated. Another general topic that requires further study is the damage potential of long-term exposure to micrometeoroids at LS. The general areas of concern defined above must be supplemented by several specific areas in which analysis is required. Obviously, a detailed stress analysis must be done for any proposed hull configuration with finite element and finite difference methods.- It should accurately determine the stress distribution at joints between structural elements, the cylinder/endcap interface, and any point where concentrated loads are applied. A more sophisticated dynamic analysis is also required which can account for irregular mass distributions and perturbation forces. A support structure for the light window is needed, as is an energy absorbing device protecting the docking port. There are many more details which have not yet been considered such as the mirror, solar cell arrays, sun shield, construction apparatus, and manufacturing facilities. Yet, in reviewing the analysis of this chapter and estimating the requirements of those analyses omitted, no insurmountable obstacle to the design of a structurally feasible prototype space colony is found.
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