Impact-resistant Composite Structures for Spacesuits

Composites Automation (CA) is partnering with the University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM) to investigate innovative composite material and structure concepts that meet projected Mars impact energy goals of >600J with leak rates < 0.5LPM. The proposed effort focuses on hard structural components in the spacesuit pressure garment subsystem. Low-Velocity Impact (LVI) testing protocols will be developed for higher energies exceeding 600J, while addressing relevance to Spacesuit structural geometries. Material innovations evaluated in this effort include hybrid laminate constructions with interlayers and fiber metal laminates; as well as potential synergistic combinations. Material solutions will be screened under LVI and leak resistance testing. Results from screening will be used to design optimum composite architectures combining select concept(s) for synergistic improvement in impact performance.

Increasing damage tolerance of lightweight composite structures to impact loads while maintaining leak resistance under pressure is a key performance metric for space suit hard composite components. The proposed approach will increase impact durability by 2X the current xEMU composite solution. Successful demonstration of impact durability and survivability under Mars gravity is essential to NASA and private space industry goals of manned missions to Mars. Damage tolerant composite structures are used in many applications, including aerospace, automotive and marine composites, and military platforms. Post-impact mechanical performance drives composite design in these applications, such as Compression after Impact or Open-hole Tension/Compression. Mechanical fastening and joining is also common in many of these applications and resistance to damage propagation at fastener holes promotes long-term durability. Concepts/strategies that increase durability, and post-impact performance while retaining lightweight characteristics are of wide-ranging interest in the composites industry.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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