Reaction of metals in lower earth orbit during Space Shuttle flight 41-GThe effects of ambient space environment on metals were studied by exposing specimens of Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Cr, Al, Pt, and Pd on flight 41-G (STS-17). Data obtained by ellipsometry (ELL), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) before and after flight are summarized. Although the effects of space environment were most pronounced for silver, there were significant changes in the surface properties of the majority of the other metals. The surface optical constants proved to be the most sensitive measure of surface changes. These changes are attributed to the interaction of the metals with atomic oxygen.
Document ID
19860029663
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Fromhold, A. T., Jr. (Auburn Univ. AL, United States)
Daneshvar, K. (Auburn University AL, United States)
Whitaker, A. F. (Auburn Univ. AL, United States)
Little, S. A. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)