← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Small Punch Test (SPT) is an innovative mechanical testing technique which has been enabled by recent improvements in computational tools. SPT has the potential to transform the way NASA develops materials from Additive Manufactured (AM) metals to nuclear fuels for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP). Low-cost, high-throughput and straightforward sample geometry permit SPT to disrupt the current state-of-the-art for process development in aerospace alloys.
Current NASA goals to establish advanced manufacturing processes and develop Space Nuclear Propulsion will be greatly advanced with highthroughput automation of mechanical testing. At the conclusion of this CIF, the SPT process will be further developed and may apply to the efficient optimization of material fabrication processes related to the RAMPT and NTP projects.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.