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Composite Technologies for Science MissionsASTROLAB, Lunar Geophysical Network, Mars Icebreaker and Mars PLACER Net missions propose use of various types of vehicles – such as rovers, landers and flying probes - to accomplish their scientific objectives. Although designs for such vehicles are myriad, many structural components can be made using composite manufacturing technologies. Composite materials are also myriad, by nature, but carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) in particular are sought after for their high specific strength and specific stiffness. CFRP components could be especially beneficial in vehicle designs for Moon or Mars missions due to their nearly negligible coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). CTE is a critical design characteristics in environments where significant thermal swings are prevalent, such as those of atmosphere-less Moon and Mars.MSFC/EM42 houses several relevant composites technologies. Strong and rigid struts can be filament-wound. Shells and platforms can be laid-up using automated fiber placement (for repeatability) or by hand (for small features). Monolithic structures can even be designed to reduce part count and therefore reduce the risk of joint failures. Composites are also tailorable, allowing the incorporation of different material types or formats through the thickness of a part. This includes materials which shield from radiation or electrostatic discharge. Finally, the rigidity of composite parts minimizes overall vibration and compliance within a design.Additionally, missions such as Triton Ocean World Surveyor anticipate use of traditional, metallic fuel tanks. Composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) are suitable for use in this application as well. The Triton mission even cites a concern for heat retention, for which CFRP also offers improved characteristics over traditional metallic tanks.
Document ID
20230000072
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Poster
Authors
Chelsea Pickett
(Marshall Space Flight Center Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, United States)
Date Acquired
January 5, 2023
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2023 Technology Showcase for Future NASA Planetary Science Missions
Location: Galveston, TX
Country: US
Start Date: January 9, 2023
End Date: January 11, 2023
Sponsors: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 981271.08.50.50.50
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
Single Expert
Keywords
Lightweight
Stiff
Rigid
Mobility
Mass
Mission
Polymer-reinforced composite
Composite
Tanks
Fuel
Structure
CTE
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