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Myco-Architecture off Planet: Growing Surface Structures at DestinationOur work focused on filling major select key technical knowledge gaps, and technical aspects to be addressed in a Phase II proposal were identified such as the secretion of glues or plastics by the fungi or bacteria to form biocomposites. Specifically, we raised the technical TRL by assessing the growth of in-house mycelial-producing strains on potential food substrates and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages to their use off planet. Growth of the mycelia on sawdust and powdered nutrients including dried, powdered algae, was used as a baseline. We measured growth as a function of temperature, tested the relevant material properties of the mycelia products produced, and measured the mass of input and output volume for production per volume of material. Mycotecture was produced in a bag simulating the proposed mission implementation. Post-production such as heat treatment (as is done with terrestrial mycotecture)was assessed.The material properties of the dried, frozen and baked mycelial outputs included density, strength,thermal insulation and flame retardation. Tensile/compression testing on biocomposite material specimens was performed to obtain three-dimensional elastic constants, as well as to examine deformation and fracture behavior. These mechanical tests were performed on both dormant and activated samples to understand the evolution of the structural material. In addition, experimental data obtained from the mechanical testing was used to build a failure prediction model that accounts for material anisotropy. This aided in future structural design through a quantitative understanding of the mechanical limits of the material. To examine the texture, defects, fracture surfaces of the material, high-resolution microstructural imaging was utilized before and after the mechanical tests. This microstructural analysis informed us about the macro-structural behavior and influenced structural design. Thermal decomposition analysis was also performed tounderstand the thermal limits.
Document ID
20190002580
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Other
Authors
Rothschild, Lynn J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Maurer, Christopher
(Redhouse Studio LLC)
Paulino Lima, Ivan G.
(Blue Marble Space Seattle, WA, United States)
Senesky, Debbie
(Stanford Univ. Stanford, CA, United States)
Wipat, Anil
(Newcastle Univ. Newcastle, Australia)
Head, James III
(Brown Univ. Worcester, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
April 17, 2019
Publication Date
March 12, 2019
Subject Category
Exobiology
Report/Patent Number
HQ-E-DAA-TN66707
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNH17ZOA001N-18NIAC_A1
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80NSSC18M0060
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Portions of document may include copyright protected material.
Keywords
Biocomposites
habitats
mycotecture
Architecture
Surface Strcutures
Mycelia
Destination
Exploration
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