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Additive Manufacturing of Low Work Function Oxides for Spaceborne Thermionic Emission Applications

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

The purpose of this project is to develop an additive manufacturing process for the fabrication a material for use in thermal management of high-speed vehicles, energy conversion, and electric propulsion. To accomplish this objective, the material will be characterized and an additive manufacturing process will be selected and developed, resulting in the creation of a new additive manufacturing machine for ceramic-metal composites. Furthermore, an attempt will be made to synthesize and fabricate the materials through a single-step additive manufacturing process, reducing the manufacturing time of the material. The research is directly aligned with NASA's mission to develop novel materials and manufacturing systems for aerospace applications. Furthermore, the applications enabled from the manufacturing of this material will be beneficial to thermal protection, electric propulsion, and energy conversion systems.

Benefits

The research is directly aligned with NASA's mission to develop novel materials and manufacturing systems for aerospace applications. Furthermore, the applications enabled from the manufacturing of this material will be beneficial to thermal protection, electric propulsion, and energy conversion systems.

Details

Technology areaMaterials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Manufacturing > Manufacturing Processes
ProgramSpace Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organizationMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Start date2017-08-01
End date2021-08-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

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.

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