Lightweight construction having a fractally structured supporting structure

Abstract

A lightweight construction includes a superficial surface and a regularly, periodically configured supporting structure that mechanically reinforces the superficial surface. The supporting structure has fractal structuring into at least two fractal planes which have integrated fluid transitions therebetween.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A lightweight construction comprising:
 a superficial surface; and   a regularly, periodically configured supporting structure that mechanically reinforces the superficial surface, the supporting structure having fractal structuring into at least two fractal planes having integrated fluid transitions therebetween.   
   
   
       18 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein the supporting structure is disposed on at least one of an outside and an inside of the superficial surface. 
   
   
       19 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein the supporting structure includes reinforcing ribs having a fractal form. 
   
   
       20 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 19 , wherein the fractal form of the reinforcing ribs corresponds to at least one of a model of ammonites and a model of microalgae. 
   
   
       21 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 19 , wherein the supporting structure includes a superposition of the fractally extending reinforcing ribs by a meander-shaped configuration of the reinforcing ribs. 
   
   
       22 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 21 , wherein the reinforcing ribs have an asymmetrical, meander-shaped configuration. 
   
   
       23 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 19 , wherein the reinforcing ribs have a closed configuration. 
   
   
       24 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 23 , wherein the reinforcing ribs are configured in a honeycomb-shaped configuration. 
   
   
       25 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein the supporting structure has a combination of the fractal structuring with a non-fractally structured supporting structure. 
   
   
       26 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein at least one opening is disposed in the supporting structure so as to provide for a passage of fluids. 
   
   
       27 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein the superficial surface is configured as an outer skin. 
   
   
       28 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein a useful interior space is provided. 
   
   
       29 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 27 , wherein the outer skin has a form of a tube. 
   
   
       30 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 29 , wherein the supporting structure is disposed in the tube and includes a superposition of fractally extending reinforcing ribs having a configuration of at least one of an axially coiled radial plane and a plurality of planar radial planes. 
   
   
       31 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 17 , wherein the lightweight construction has a plate-shaped formation. 
   
   
       32 . The lightweight construction according to  claim 31 , wherein the plate shaped formation includes a pressure-resistant bulkhead.