Materials For Space Applications Research Articles

Wood and Wood-Based Materials in Space Applications—A Literature Review of Use Cases, Challenges and Potential

Current political and sociological efforts to respond to the need for more environmentally friendly technologies have inspired a revival of wood and wood-based material utilization in space systems. The popularity of these materials has faded since their widespread use in the early days of aerospace engineering. This work reviews the literature to provide an overview of use cases, the motivation for using wood and wood-based materials and the challenges involved. A small number of applications were identified in which wood and wood-based materials were preferred over non-renewable raw materials. They are mainly applied for less-stressed disposable components or as a thermal protection material. It can be shown that the applied wooden materials have advantages such as low production costs, easy availability, easy and environment-friendly decomposition and low weight. However, only a limited number of applications have achieved a high level of technological readiness so far. Properties such as anisotropy and a lack of uniformity, defects in wood, the quantity available material and a lack of standards for the certification of wooden materials represent challenges. These are addressed in the current research, which additionally focuses on sustainable growth, enhanced environmental friendliness and advanced lightweight design.

Dielectric characterization using waveguide method for antenna and radome materials in space applications

Dielectric characterization using waveguide method for antenna and radome materials in space applications

Dopant dependent microstructure of hot-pressed SiGe alloys and its implications on thermoelectric properties

SiGe is a proven high temperature thermoelectric material for space application. We have investigated the role of dopants (P and B) on the densification of SiGe alloys. It was observed that on P doping there is a formation of liquidous SiP phase in the SiGe matrix during hot pressing that improves the diffusion across grain boundaries and as a result ∼98 % of theoretical density was achieved. In case of identically prepared B doped samples, the segregation of B resulted in porous microstructure and low density ∼89 %. Such a difference in microstructure resulted a figure-of-merit of ∼1.29 (at 1100K) for n-type SiGe (P doped) and ∼0.86 (at 1100K) for p-type SiGe (B doped) at a hot press temperature of 1273 K. The study suggests that in case of SiGe apart from doping the densification of materials plays a very important role in improving its thermoelectric performance.

Surface-Localized Chemically Modified Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Flexible Conductive Surfaces for Space Applications.

Thermoplastic polymers are a compelling class of materials for emerging space exploration applications due to their wide range of mechanical properties and compatibility with a variety of processing methods, including additive manufacturing. However, despite these benefits, the use of thermoplastic polymers in a set of critical space applications is limited by their low electrical conductivity, which makes them susceptible to static charging and limits their ability to be used as active and passive components in electronic devices, including materials for static charge dissipation, resistive heaters, and electrodynamic dust shielding devices. Herein, we explore the microstructural evolution of electrically conductive, surface-localized nanocomposites (SLNCs) of chemically modified reduced graphene oxide and a set of thermoplastic polymers as a function of critical thermal properties of the substrate (melting temperature for semi-crystalline materials or glass transition temperature for amorphous materials). Selected offsets from critical substrate temperatures were used to produce SLNCs with conductivities between 0.6-3 S/cm and surface structures, which ranged from particle-rich, porous surfaces to polymer-rich, non-porous surfaces. We then demonstrate the physical durability of these electrically conductive SLNCs to expected stress conditions for flexible conductive materials in lunar applications including tension, flexion, and abrasion with lunar simulant. Small changes in resistance (R/R0 < 2) were measured under uniaxial tension up to 20% strain in high density polyethylene and up to 500 abrasion cycles in polysulfone, demonstrating the applicability of these materials as active and passive flexible conductors in exterior lunar applications. The tough, electrically conductive SLNCs developed here could greatly expand the use of polymeric materials in space applications, including lunar exploration, micro- and nano-satellites, and other orbital structures.

Improvement of mechanical and wear resistance property by varying glass fiber contents and amino-silicate coupling agents on polyamide 612 composites

Among the polyamide series polymer materials, PA612 has excellent mechanical properties and low moisture absorption characteristics. This work studied the effect of coupling agent addition on the crystallization behavior, adhesive wear, mechanical, thermal, and morphological attributes of glass fiber (GF) reinforced PA612 composites. Amino-silane was applied as a coupling agent to enhance the interfacial adhesion between glass fiber and the PA612 matrix. The loading level of the coupling agent was changed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0wt%, while the GF loading level in the composite material was 10, 15, 20, and 30wt%. The composite materials were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, tribological characterization, and adhesion wear test. The mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties were also investigated. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to study the analytical samples’ wear and fracture surfaces. Test results unveiled that adding 1.0wt% amino-silane coupling agent upgraded the fiber-matrix adhesion, mechanical properties (tensile strength:136 MPa), and corresponding wear resistance of GF reinforced PA612-based composites. Furthermore, it is compatible with pure PA612 substrates and has similar processing rheological behavior. These results reveal that the compiled PA612 matrix is highly viable for tribological applications comprising automotive parts, bearings, and bearing materials for space applications.

Making Contact: A Review of Robotic Attachment Mechanisms for Extraterrestrial Applications

The space environment offers unique challenges for robotic grippers and controllable attachment mechanisms. Applications include satellite and orbital debris capture, perching for free‐floating robots inside the International Space Station, climbing rocky surfaces in planetary exploration tasks, and grasping asteroids and other rough substrates for drilling and sample collection operations. Many traditional adhesive technologies, such as pressure‐sensitive adhesives, suction, and electromagnetism, are not tenable in the space environment due to the lack of an atmosphere (e.g., pressure‐sensitive adhesives outgas and suction requires a pressure differential) or suitable substrates (e.g., materials for space applications are rarely ferromagnetic). Instead, a number of other technologies have shown promise for space, including bio‐inspired fibrillar dry adhesives that offer controllable adhesion on both flat and curved smooth surfaces, electrostatic adhesives that work on smooth surfaces but also rougher surfaces and fabrics, and microspines for rocky and rough substrates. Herein, a review of these technologies, focusing on their operation and providing examples of the technologies applied to space and other extraterrestrial missions is presented.

A high-precision apparatus for dimensional characterization of highly stable materials in space applications

We present an apparatus for high-accuracy and high-resolution absolute measurement of the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Based on a displacement measuring interferometer (DMI) system, dimensional changes of a tubular shaped specimen under controlled thermal conditions can be characterized. Our measurement apparatus was located in a vacuum where the test specimen could be controlled in a temperature range from 20 to 40 °C. We measured the CTE of a quartz tube by using the DMI system with a temperature variation close to 4 °C. The test result was (3.888 ± 0.1292) × 10−7/°C with 99% confidence probability. The measured value of 3.89 × 10−7/°C of the specimen taken from the above-mentioned quartz tube (DIL402 Expedis, NETZSCH) was within the confidence interval, which indicates that our apparatus not only has excellent repeatability but also has the correct absolute CTE value. The measurement uncertainty reached the 1.3 × 10−8/°C level. Finally, a CTE test of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) tubes was conducted. The test result was (1.218 ± 0.0822) × 10−7/°C with 99% confidence probability. The results show that we can manufacture CFRP tubes with a CTE of 0.12 × 10−6/°C, which could be used for aeronautical and space structures.

Effect of ambient radiations energy on the thermomagnetism of some insulation materials for space applications

ABSTRACT The aim of this work is to study the qualitative effect of temperature on the magnetic field generated due to the differential heating of the insulators. The variations of the thermomagnetic field, with respect to temperature, are studied by analysing the thermal profile for various radiations. Thermo-magnet is a device, which can generate a magnetic field between two insulators of varying thermal resistivity. The magnetic field generated is dependent on the temperature gradient (ΔT), distance between the insulators (d), dielectric constant (k) and relative permeability (µr) of the medium between the insulators, and the thermal resistivity of both the insulators (RλA and RλB) This will be more suitable for the space applications where there is a high possibility of the source for thermomagnetic applications.

Oblique Wide-Angle Multi-Sector Metamaterial Absorber for Space Applications

This article presents the design, realization and measurement of lightweight absorbing material for space applications. The electromagnetic absorber, operating on the [2 GHz, 2.3 GHz] frequency band, is designed for oblique incidence ranging from 35° to 65°. Wide-angle designs are demonstrated to be particularly challenging at oblique incidence and an approach consisting in dividing the surface in two different sectors with respect to the incoming angle is proposed. A specific measurement setup is presented in order to characterize this new kind of evolutive absorber. The measurement results show that the sectorial absorber achieves a reflection coefficient inferior to −11.5 dB, corresponding to an absorptivity above 0.965 on the frequency band [2 GHz, 2.3 GHz] for both TE and TM polarizations for angles of incidence varying from 35° to 65°.

Densification and Strengthening of Aerogels by Sintering Heat Treatments or Plastic Compression.

Due to their broad range of porosity, aerogels are suited to various applications. The advantages of a broad range of porosity are used directly, for example, in thermal and acoustic insulation, as materials for space applications or in catalysers. However, an overly high pore volume can also be a drawback, for example, in a glass precursor and host matrix. Fortunately, aerogel porosity can be tailored using sintering or isostatic compression. Sets of silica aerogels—sintered and compressed aerogels—have been studied with the objective of comparing these different densification mechanisms. We focus on the mechanical changes during the two processes of densification.

Effects of Oxygen Ion Irradiation on PZT Modified Ferroelectric Materials for Space Applications

Lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) is an important and high performance piezoelectric and pyroelectric relaxor material having wide range of applications in infrared sensor devices. Present work studies the fabrication and dielectric characteristics of PMN-PT in the bulk form. The PMN-PT bulk material was prepared in sol-gel method and subsequently irradiated with heavy ion oxygen. The materials were analyzed and determined that the relaxor ferroelectric material indicated changes in its dielectric constant and pyroelectric coefficient after irradiation. Due to the radiation fluent of 1×1016 ions/cm2 , the dielectric constant of the material increased uniformly, while its pyroelectric coefficient showed a sharp increased to the value of 5×10-9 μC/cm2 °C with increase in temperature. Its dielectric constants showed increase in values of 527 μC/cm2 °C at 50°C, 635 μC/ cm2 °C at 60°C and 748 μC/cm2 °C at 70°C. Properties such as the material impedance, admittance and modulus were investigated for changes in properties which became evident after irradiation. In this paper effect of oxygen ion irradiation on the LiTaO3 and two commercial samples BM 300 and BM 941 are also reported and analyzed. All these bulk materials were functional even after irradiation and was showing enhancement in some of the key characteristics of ferroelectric material.

Експериментальні засоби дослідження циклічної втоми конструкційних матеріалів космічного призначення

Експериментальні засоби дослідження циклічної втоми конструкційних матеріалів космічного призначення

Developments in the Production of Wear-Resistant Structural Materials for Space Applications

The concept for producing wear-resistant structural powder materials for applications in space vacuum and atmospheres of planets in the solar system is described. The basic idea is to form nonequilibrium structures by introducing strengthening solid phases and unstable diselenides into the metal matrix to create dissipative structures responsible for the wear resistance of materials during sintering and dry friction.

Challenges in Characterization and Acceptance of Metal Matrix Composite “Carrier Plate” Material for Space Applications

In space applications, day by day, the electronic devices are becoming compact with increase in operating frequencies and high power requirements posing challenges in design and selection of materials for high thermal dissipation requirements. In order to achieve optimum performance from thermal management material, engineers have to focus on high reliable, cost effective alternatives. Such materials need to demonstrate excellent thermal conduction to minimize thermo-mechanical stress and fatigue due to operations like soldering, thermal cycling and severe operating conditions. The paper describes a new family of thermal management composite material called “SILVAR”.

0.3C–CrMoV(ESR) Steel: A New Ultrahigh Strength Steel

0.3C–CrMoV(ESR) steel is a new ultrahigh strength medium-carbon low alloy steel which is developed as a cost effective material for space applications. It is a quenched and tempered steel and upon heat treatment it develops an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of up to 1700 MPa with a corresponding 0.2% proof strength of 1400 MPa and a tensile elongation of 8%. The steel is processed through the secondary melting practice of electro-slag refining (ESR). Inoculation with niobium is employed to reduce the grain size of the steel. ESR-cast ingots are subjected to thermo-mechanical processing like hot forging, rolling and ring-rolling to realize product forms such as plates, rings and bars. It has excellent cold and hot working characteristics, and it is amenable to welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding and plasma arc welding. Filler wire having the same chemical composition as that of the base metal is used, and a welding efficiency close to 100% is achievable. In this paper, brief outline on the steel’s characteristics such as chemical composition, processing details, mechanical properties of base metal and weld metal, etc. is provided.

Instrumentation on Impact Shock Study of Polymers and Possibility of Non-Equilibrium Shock Hugoniot

Polymer materials have widespread applications in various situations for structural materials by themselves as well as by combining with other materials such as carbon fiber. Some of them are also candidates for energetic materials in space applications.[1] Due to their general use, shock response of them has attracted attention for many researchers.[2-4] One of the striking characteristics of the dynamic response of them is that stress and/or particle velocity profile has a relaxation structure of s range.[5, 6]

原子状酸素照射に対する木質炭素/シリコン材料の抵抗性

An analysis of the erosional properties of carbonized lignin with a Si content of 0 to 40% under the simulated atomic oxygen (AO) conditions found in low earth orbit was carried out. The AO environment was produced using a laser detonation atomic oxygen beam source. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed an increase in the atomic concentration of oxygen-related groups on the surface of the carbonized lignin with and without Si. The erosion rate was found to be low for the case of carbonized lignin with>20% Si. The Si-free sample exhibited a resistance to oxidation due to the formation of an oxide area that protected it from further AO effects on chemical bonds such as C=C bonds. The surface chemistry of the Si-free samples was similar to that of diamond-like carbon (DLC). These experimental results suggest that carbonized lignin derived from Sugi wood has the potential to be used in materials for space applications.

Degradation of the surfaces exposed to the space environment

The presence of several atomic species in the LEO (Low Earth Orbits) could be considered one of the reasons for the degradation of the surfaces exposed to the Space Environment. At an average height of 400 Km (the altitude of International Space Station), the concentration of the main atomic species during the high sun activity are: 1.5 × 10 9 cm - 3 for atomic oxygen (AO), 1.6 × 10 8 cm - 3 for molecular nitrogen ( N 2 ) and 1.4 × 10 8 m - 3 for atomic nitrogen (N). The energy with which the atoms collide with the surface of orbiting vehicle depends on the relative speed of the vehicle itself. For instance, the atoms colliding the International Space Station (ISS) (orbit average height: 400 Km; relative speed: 7.5 Km/s) have an energy of 8 eV for N 2 , 5 eV for OA and 4 eV for N. The atomic oxygen is the most abundant species presents in LEO and it is considered the main responsible of the thermal, optical and mechanical alteration of the surfaces exposed to the Space Environment. Different hypothesis are reported in literature in order to explain the physical/chemical mechanisms that govern the material degradation in the Space, but no conclusion has been reached. In the energy range of few of eV, the main mechanism with which colliding atoms transfer its energy to the atoms of the surface is by phonons. In this paper the effect of an oxygen ion beam produced in the space environment simulator on materials for Space applications is studied in the frame of the thermal spike theory. Comparison between the measured erosion and the calculated one will be reported. The erosion mechanism will be modelled in order to understand the main thermodynamic parameters that govern the interaction between the atomic oxygen and the surface of the tested materials.

Space Environment Effect on Fluorinated Polymers

ABSTRACTThe effects of the space environment on polytetrafluorethylene and some fluorinated polymers, copolymers, and blends are critically reviewed. It is shown that in low altitude orbits such as Low Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit the presence of both ionizing radiation and atomic oxygen triggers a synergetic degradation of materials based on fluorinated polymers. The behavior is due to the lability of the in-chain alkyl radical to oxygen attack. It is concluded that fluorinated polymers should not be used as materials for space applications, as long as the mission implies low Earth orbits.

Processing of Beryllium for High Technology Applications

Unique combination of physical, mechanical and thermal properties, that beryllium possess makes it an ideal candidate material for space applications, as for examples, in Inertial Guidance Systems, Spacecraft Mechanisms, optics and Structural Element). Its inherent nuclear properties makes it attractive in nuclear programmes. Besides these, it has been a recommended choice in computers, micro electronics, audio industries and medical for high technology systems. Though beryllium is readily machinable for high precision accuracies and excellent surface finishes, yet it has tendency to chip off or edge crack and prone to residual stresses and surface damages. Additionally, inhalable beryllium dust fumes generated during machining is injurious to health. In order to achieve desired accuracies, processing of beryllium calls for appropriate fixturing, adoption of proper cutting parameters, toolings, operation sequencing and proper handling, and job analysis. This paper takes a stock of the present technology a...