New concept of compressive load transmitting member applicable to large space structures

Large space structures require limitations in weight and assembly effort in order to be realistically constructed and operated. Components for transmitting tensile and compressive loads are the most fundamental, wires and membranes being ones that are most efficient for tensile load transmission, whereas the development of light-weight component for compressive load transmission is still expected. New concept of compression carrying component is proposed, based on the simple principle of momentum conservation. This new concept utilizes the momentum of medium that reciprocates between the load transmitting points. Various media for this new component are examined from the points of utility, handling and load carrying capacity. Proposed innovative component may be readily realized by adopting photon or ion particles, if the required level of load is small.