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Material Characterization and Certification of Additively Manufactured Metal for Flight Hardware Applications

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 6)

Description

To establish and conduct within Goddard Space Flight Center, flight certification of additively manufactured metal (Aluminum 6061) that baselines standards and methodologies for flight projects according to mission class.

Benefits

Advancement of in-house Additive Manufacturing Techniques and integration of innovative design and technologies. The focus on material characterization and certification of additively manufactured flight hardware will contribute to the maturation of Goddard's additive manufacturing capabilities. By successfully characterizing and certifying additively manufactured flight hardware materials, Goddard can integrate innovative manufacturing technologies into its technology development initiatives. This integration will enable the use of advanced manufacturing techniques and design approach in future projects, including generative design, topology optimization, and lattice structures, allowing for the creation of more complex and optimized flight hardware designs.

Details

Technology areaMaterials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationWallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA
Start date2023-10-01
End date2025-09-30

Project contacts

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How to get involved

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