Cold formed steel applicability in space

Abstract

In recent history, cold formed steel sections have gained prominence in terrestrial structures, owing to their lightweight nature and robust mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the applicability of cold formed steel in the space industry remains almost entirely unexplored, despite potentially superior weight-efficient solutions. This literature review attempts to explore the feasibility of cold formed steel in space applications by examining existing literature on cold formed steel properties, structural loads in space, and material selection criteria for spacecraft. Whilst cold formed steel holds promise in reducing weight without compromising on the structural integrity of structures in space, design complexities and limited research form challenges that impede its widespread adoption. The results of this literature review underscore the need for further research of cold formed steel for space applications to bridge existing knowledge gaps and discover its full potential. As knowledge surrounding cold formed steel continues to evolve, ongoing research efforts hold the key to unlocking novel solutions and in theory advancing space exploration with this intriguing steel product.