Toward In-Space Additive Manufacturing of Thermosets with Embedded Fibers, Year 2

The objectives of the continuation project will be to (i) model curing kinetics and rheology of spreading thermosetting resins with numerical simulations, (ii) verify numerical models with experiments on earth, (iii) predict spreading and convection in varied-gravity environments, (iv) perform optimization to improve the quality of extruded droplets, puddles, linear beads and composite fibers, and (v) mechanical testing of extruded features. Next step after this year's work is to seek funding through the ROSES Earth Science Research Program. This second-year CIF effort, if funded, will place the team in a strategic position to pursue the ROSES funding.

The anticipated benefits from this work will be in the creation of design rules for building future machines and selecting appropriate thermal-curing thermosets for ISAM of high-performance materials and structures. We anticipate that future machines based on this technology will bridge the gap between producing geometrically sound features and extruding materials with suitable strength and thermal endurance for use in space structures. Improved strength of non-metal 3D-printed structures is a great technology need.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.