Abstract
The production of a ferrofluid container, intended for use in the KRAKsat (CubeSat type) satellite in space conditions, is presented. Mechanized laser beam welding for AISI 316L stainless steel test joint and container prototype was developed and tested. The welded test joints were examined by non-destructive visual, penetration and radiographic testing and destructive testing by macro- and microscopic examination, static tensile test, static bending test, and hardness measurements. The welded container prototype was examined by leak test, temperature-vacuum test and vibration test. Test joints’ evaluation showed a proper selection of welding parameters and expected quality of joints. Austenitic microstructure with small δ-ferrite content in base materials, heat-affected zones, and welds guarantees sufficient mechanical properties for this part geometry. The tensile strength range of test joints was 687–729 MPa, hardness range was 140–200 HV3, and the bending angle was 180°. Welding of the prototype container and testing of tightness, resistance to temperature changes, and vibration were successful. Compliance with flywheel design and manufacturing requirements will enable the launch of a research satellite into orbit with such a wheel.
Highlights
Maintaining a stable orientation of space vehicles in longterm space missions or changing the orientation of the vehicle depending on the needs requires the use of torque generating parts which are able to rotate the vehicle according to its axis of rotation
Steels with BCC [15,16,17] and FCC [18,19,20] crystallographic space groups, aluminum alloys [21], titanium alloys [22], nickel alloys [23], plastics [24], and composites [25] can be laser beam welded. These joints are characterized by a narrow weld and a heat-affected zone with mechanical properties similar to those of joints made with conventional electric arc processes [26] and often exceeding them
The density of ~8 kg/dm3 makes it the heaviest material used in the construction of the KRAKsat satellite
Summary
Maintaining a stable orientation of space vehicles in longterm space missions or changing the orientation of the vehicle depending on the needs requires the use of torque generating parts which are able to rotate the vehicle according to its axis of rotation. & Resistance to elevated temperatures—the material and welded joint should retain their properties up to 110°C This is the maximum temperature that can be inside the satellite. & Resistance to low temperatures—the container material should maintain its design properties at temperatures down to −170°C. Steels with BCC [15,16,17] and FCC [18,19,20] crystallographic space groups, aluminum alloys [21], titanium alloys [22], nickel alloys [23], plastics [24], and composites [25] can be laser beam welded These joints are characterized by a narrow weld and a heat-affected zone with mechanical properties similar to those of joints made with conventional electric arc processes [26] and often exceeding them. Two sources are combined to take advantage of their advantages, creating hybrid laser-arc welding [29,30,31]
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