I.2.6.2 Construction Elements Five potential large space structure construction elements were identified: - Triangular beams - Geodetic beams - Conical beams - Unfolding beams - Unfolding tetrahedrons From these options the reference SPS-system uses the triangular beams (automatically fabricated continuous chords). The Boeing team compared it with earth fabricated conical tubes: The tube structure weights less than the continuous chord structure, has a higher manufacturing rate, easier structural- integrity verification and more structural design flexibility. The continuous chord structure has the advantage of higher packaging density if manufactured in space, less joint slop, and lower machine complexity. This comparison found no significant difference. Fig.2.6.3: BASELINE BEAM CONFIGURATION For the automatical fabrication of continuous triangular beams in space two optional machines have proved their functionality in 1978, a beam Building machine for aluminum and one for carbon/epoxy beams. A typical application to large space structures is shown in the next figure.
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