← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Measurement of Interfacial Tension of Additive Materials using the Electrostatic Levitation System (ELS)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

The primary object of the project is to develop and test a unique and novel method of drop resonance for very accurate measurements of surface tension of high temperature liquid metals in vacuum.

Benefits

A new technology to accurately obtain the ST of high melting point materials using electrostatic Faraday forcing. The data will be key to building the property database for Additive Manufacturing (AM, DED) as well as in laser melting and welding operations..

Details

Technology areaMaterials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: MSFC IRAD (MSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL
Start date2020-01-01
End date2020-12-31

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 4) — 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.