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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have excellent structural properties, near-net-shape fabrication, excellent thermal properties, and resistance to aggressive environments, in comparison with graphite-epoxy composites and unreinforced metal alloys. In FY20 (Year 1), a successful fabrication of Al- and Ti-MMC specimens with boron nitride and boron carbide reinforcements demonstrated improved hardness (45% over Ti alloy), increased wear resistance, and neutron shielding effectiveness (over 70 times over Al alloy). In addition, computational studies (OLTARIS) under GCR and SPE in lunar and Mars environments revealed that the presence of boron suppressed adverse effects of metal shielding caused by backscattered radiation (proton, neutron, pion, and electron) significantly.
In FY21 (Year 2), the MOOSE coatings will be also developed for the existing composite truss samples obtained from LaRC IRMA team, using powder metallurgy and thermal spray coating technology. To meet the mission requirements and develop cost-affordable and scalable fabrication processes, internal and external collaborations will be pursued with LaRC IRMA team, computational modeling team, and industrial partners (thermal spray coating company and reinforcement material suppliers).
For the success of prolonged space missions like Artemis and In-Space Assembly, it is of critical importance to develop adequate metal matrix composites for moving parts and structural trusses specifically tailored for extreme space environment. The MOOSE focuses on the development of ultralight, anti-seize, radiation-hardened, wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, mechanically-robust metal matrix composites by affordable and scalable manufacturing, for sustainable on-orbit/on-surface services in extreme space environment.
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