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Structural and Radiation Shielding Properties of a Martian Habitat Material Synthesized From In-Situ ResourcesThe 2 primary requirements of a Martian habitat structure include sufficient structural integrity and effective radiation shielding. In addition, the capability to synthesize such building materials primarily from in-situ resources would significantly reduce the cost associated with transportation of such materials and structures from earth. To demonstrate the feasibility of such an approach we have fabricated samples in the laboratory using simulated in-situ resources, evaluated radiation shielding effectiveness using radiation transport codes and radiation test data, and conducted mechanical properties testing. In this paper we will present experimental results that demonstrate the synthesis of polyethylene from a simulated Martian atmosphere and the fabrication of a composite material using simulated Martian regolith with polyethylene as the binding material. Results from radiation transport calculations and data from laboratory radiation testing using a 500 MeV/nucleon Fe beam will be discussed. Mechanical properties of the proposed composite as a function of composition and processing parameters will also be presented.
Document ID
20070001554
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sen, S.
(BAE Systems Huntsville, AL, United States)
Caranza, S.
(Makel Engineering, Inc. Chico, CA, United States)
Bhattacharya, M.
(National Space Science and Technology Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Makel, D. B.
(Makel Engineering, Inc. Chico, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2006
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Space VI
Location: San Jose, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: September 18, 2006
End Date: September 21, 2006
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-02096
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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