← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 1 (started at 1, targeting 3)
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is involved in application of additive manufacture (AM) for improved performance and cost reduction of propulsion systems. AM shows realizable potential to develop intricate structures faster and at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing processes. One area of development is functional implementation of ultra-fine lattice structures, which are repeating unit cells with ligament thickness as small as 100
µm (0.004 in). These lattice structures have the potential to replace porous metallic foams used in a number of applications such as catalyst beds and evaporative heat exchangers. Such porous forms are expensive and possess anisotropic material, mechanical, and fluid properties. AM ultra-fine lattice structures improve upon these drawbacks by offering greater control over the material structure and potentially allowing for customized material properties. For example, a lattice structure with density gradients and variable orientation could mimic stiffness, strength, flexibility, or other properties of multiple materials in a single part made of a single material. The same lattice structures could also be applied in gas or liquid permeable rigid materials. Ultra-fine lattice structures using AM have been demonstrated successfully, but the computational and production methods are still in development. The proposed objective is to conduct feasibility studies of AM ultra-fine lattice structures capable of replacing metallic foams. MSFC will identify desired graphite foam characteristics and EOS will develop optimized parameters on the EOS M100 platform to AM specimens. After AM specimens will undergo micro-CT, metallographic inspection, and mechanical testing (compression). Results will be used to determine if AM is capable of producing ultra-fine lattice specimens to obtain more reliable performance in applications requiring porous metal foams.
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is involved in application of additive manufacture (AM) for improved performance and cost reduction of propulsion systems. AM shows realizable potential to develop intricate structures faster and at a lower cost than traditional manufacturing processes. One area of development is functional implementation of ultra-fine lattice structures, which are repeating unit cells with very thin ligament with thickness as small as 100 µm. These lattice structures have the potential to replace porous metallic foams used in a number of applications such as catalyst beds and evaporative heat exchangers. Such porous forms are expensive and possess anisotropic material, mechanical, and fluid properties. AM ultra-fine lattice structures improve upon these drawbacks by offering greater control over the material structure and potentially allowing for customized material properties. For example, a lattice structure with density gradients and variable orientation could mimic stiffness, strength, flexibility, or other properties of multiple materials in a single part made of a single material. The same lattice structures could also be applied in gas or liquid permeable rigid materials. Ultra-fine lattice structures using AM have been demonstrated successfully, but the computational and production methods are still in development.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 1) — 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.