← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 3)
FAMIS is an ISS investigation to utilize the Low Gradient Furnace on the Materials Science Research Rack to provide semi-solid (or mushy) holds to bulk metallic glass-forming (BMG) alloys (also known as amorphous metals) reinforced with tungsten (W) particles. Two well-studied BMG alloys have been selected for the flight experiment, including Vitreloy 106 (Zr57Nb5Cu15.4Ni12.6Al10) and Zr48Cu47.5Al4Co0.5. The alloy Vitreloy 106 was selected due to its long flight history with NASA (both as part of the Genesis mission and as an experimental alloy on several previous space shuttle flights, including STS-83 and STS-97). The ZrCuAlCo alloy, which is similar to many alloys that have previously been part of microgravity flight experiments, is one of the only BMG alloys that forms a composite with tensile ductility when solidified with appropriate cooling rate. While both alloys form glasses when cooled rapidly, they form very different structures when cooled into the crystalline state. Vitreloy 106 forms brittle phases that yield low toughness whereas ZrCuAlCo forms soft phases that make it tougher. In the flight experiment, both BMG alloys will be reinforced with spherical particles of W with two different diameters and several volume fractions. On orbit, the samples will be heated into the semi-solid region for 120 minutes at 1,200 °C (1,473 K) in microgravity to dissolve the W particles into the matrix and to create a fine distribution of W dendrites homogenously distributed throughout. The samples will then be cooled back to room temperature slowly into the crystalline state, solidifying the morphology and composition. The objective of the experiment is to study the effects of W diffusion into the molten BMG alloys in the presence and the absence of gravity. Due to the lack of sedimentation in the flight-experiment, samples will be returned to Earth with microstructures that could not easily be replicated on the ground, allowing mechanical properties, like wear resistance and toughness, to be tested on the unique microstructures.
Understanding the development of innovative new materials is a fundamental part of future terrestrial and space technologies. Innovative technologies typically require new materials tailored for those applications. This drives materials development. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) based on glass-forming alloys are a relatively new class of metal alloys that exhibit unique properties which make them desirable for many new technologies. Due to the low melting temperature and high viscosity of bulk glass-forming alloys, unique MMCs can be developed that use these properties to make wear-resistant parts, such as gears, bearings, and coatings. The low melting temperature of the alloys facilitates manufacturing, such as injection molding and coating, without overly damaging equipment, while the high hardness of the alloys promotes wear resistance. Reinforcing these alloys with hard particles, like tungsten, can further improve the wear resistance and add additional benefits, like large density. Future spacecraft and rovers will utilize these materials in applications such as gears, drills, and wear-resistant coatings, enabling high-performance in the extreme environments of space.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.