A SYSTEM FOR THE MODIFICATION OF THE RIGIDITY/DAMPING PROPERTIES OF STRUCTURAL JOINTS

摘要

A system for the modification of the rigidity/damping properties of structural joints comprises at least an intermediate structure (3) to receive, on both sides, two structures (1, 2) to be coupled: releasable blocking means (6) to immobilize, in a coupled condition, said two structures to be coupled and said intermediate structure; first and second sets of bistable components (7, 8), the structural resistance features of the components of the first set being different from those of the second set; the components of the first set being internally connected to one of said structures to be coupled and to said intermediate structure: the components of the second set being internally connected to one and other of said structures to be coupled: said bistable components being in an unstable condition when all the mentioned structures are coupled together. The invention is applicable to the field of space vehicles.