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Completed TRL 9 (started at 9, targeting 9)
Project Objective
Acquisition of a laser confocal microscope system to enable research, development, and production of various AM components, biological specimens, fracture surfaces, and to expand the failure analysis capabilities in EM31.
Project Description
This microscope helped fill a gap in our capabilities for failure analysis. This system enables an angle of detection of 87.3 degrees, particularly useful for imaging fracture surfaces and providing comprehensive 2D and 3D images. The open-license software reduces analysis backlog by allowing data analysis on any computer.
Project Results and Conclusions
This new Keyence microscope has expanded our overall sample analysis capacity. Overall, this equipment filled capability gaps and addressed the following issues:
-Provided a capability between optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM);
-Reduced wear and tear on the SEM and time spent changing out consumables, e.g. the filament, which takes awhile to change;
-Promoted better fracture surface understanding from 3D images and the overlay of optical and laser images;
-Reduced backlog for EM31 and EM22 characterization;
-Increased capabilities to characterize fracture surfaces with varying brightness and reflective surfaces that are difficult to image; and
-Saved time while taking high-resolution images over a large area, typical in tribology work.
Current customers/collaborators and programs that can be supported with this work: ER13, ER64, EM32, EM22, EM42, ES33, In-Space Manufacturing (ISM), On-Demand Manufacturing Electronics (ODME), In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT), Core Stage, Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Space Launch System (SLS), Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), Microgravity, Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS), IFA, Materials International Space Center Experiment (MISSE), United Launch Alliance (ULA), Blue Origin, Boeing, various Space Act Agreements (SAAs) and Cooperative Agreement Notices (CANs), LASER Early Career Initiative (ECI), and rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) research. Essentially this system could help support almost every project, grant, and customer that EM31 is involved in.
Improved characterization of advanced manufacturing techniques including: cold metal transfer (CMT), Wire Arc directed energy deposition (DED), Laser Bending, friction stir welding (FSW), welding of all forms.
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