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Isogrid is a type of partially hollowed-out structure formed usually from a single metal plate (or face sheet) with triangular integral stiffening ribs (often called stringers). It is extremely light and stiff. Compared to other materials, it is expensive to manufacture, and so it is restricted to spaceflight applications and some particularly critical parts of more general aerospace use.
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Theory and design
Isogrid structures are related to sandwich-structured composite panels; both can be modeled using sandwich theory, which describes structures with separated, stiff face sheets and a lighter interconnecting layer. Isogrids are manufactured from single sheets of material and with large-scale triangular openings, and an open pattern to the flanges, compared to closed sheets and foam or honeycomb structures for the sandwich-composite structures.
The triangular pattern is very efficient because it retains rigidity while saving material and therefore weight. The term isogrid is used because the structure acts like an isotropic material, with equal properties measured in any direction, and grid, referring to the sheet and stiffeners structure.
A similar variant is the Orthogrid which uses rectangular rather than triangular openings. This is not isotropic (has different properties from different angles) but matches many use cases well and is easier to manufacture.
Traditionally, the equilateral triangle pattern was used because it was amenable to simplified analysis. Since the equilateral triangle pattern has isotropic strength characteristics (no preferential direction), it was named isogrid.
Manufacturing
The stiffeners of an isogrid are generally machined from a single sheet of material with a CNC milling machine, but a thickness less than 0.040 in. (1.0 millimeter) requires chemical milling processes.
Metal isogrids (often aluminum), are constructed by milling material from one face of a sheet or plate. Composite isogrids are rib-skin configurations formed by various manual or automated processes , and can give extremely high strength-weight ratios.
Uses
Isogrid panels form self-stiffened structures where low weight, stiffness, strength and damage tolerance are important, such as in aircraft or space vehicles. Aerospace isogrid structures include payload shrouds and boosters, which must support the full weight of upper stages and payloads under high G loads. Their open configuration with a single, sealed sheet facing the outside makes them especially useful for propellant tanks for rockets, where sealing the propellant in, but allowing it to drain in use or maintenance are necessary features.
Some spacecraft and launch vehicles which use isogrid structures include: