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High Tensile Strength Amalgams for In-Space Repair and FabricationAmalgams are defined as an alloy of mercury with one or more other metals. These, along with those based on gallium (also liquid at near room temperature), are widely used in dental practice as a tooth filling material. Amalgams have a number of useful attributes that indude room temperature compounding. corrosion resistance, dimensional stability, and good compressive strength. These properties well serve dental needs but, unfortunately, amalgams have extremely poor tensile strength, a feature that severely limits their applications. The work presented here demonstrates how, by modifying particle geometry, the tensile strength of amalgams can be increased and thus extending the range of potential applications. This is relevant to, for example, the freeform fabrication of replacement parts that might be necessary during an extended space mission. Advantages, i.e. Figures-of-Merit. include the ability to produce complex parts, minimum crew interaction, high yield - minimum wasted material, reduced gravity compatibility, minimum final finishing, safety, and minimum power consumption.
Document ID
20050109889
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Grugel, R. N.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Metals And Metallic Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: Continuing the Voyage of Discovery: 1st Space Exploration Conference
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: February 2, 2005
End Date: February 4, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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