Metal transformable-volume structures for space engineering

• The overview of existing transformable-volume structures is presented.
• We demonstrate the feasibility of metal load-carrying shell structures manufacture.
• We have investigated the possibility of transformable-volume structures use in the near-earth orbit.

The brief review of design solutions for existing transformable-volume structures (TVS) is given and main approaches are formulated for optimizing the metal transformable shell structures, allowing widening the sphere of their application in space engineering. Characterized are the methods, used for theoretical description of process of change in TVS shape, and also geometric parameters and properties of structural materials of thin shells allowing realization of their volume deforming at the maximum approach to the selected theoretical model.Technological aspects are described which are typical of the process of multi-sectional conical TVS design as applied to the conditions of its service under the effect of space environment factors (SEF).