A document discusses a proposal to use advanced materials — especially bulk metallic glass (BMG) foams — in structural components of spacecraft, lunar habitats, and the like. BMG foams, which are already used on Earth in some consumer products, are superior to conventional metal foams: BMG foams have exceptionally low mass densities and high strength-to-weight ratios and are more readily processable into strong, lightweight objects of various sizes and shapes. These and other attractive properties of BMG foams would be exploited, according to the proposal, to enable in situ processing of BMG foams for erecting and repairing panels, shells, containers, and other objects. The in situ processing could include (1) generation of BMG foams inside prefabricated deployable skins that would define the sizes and shapes of the objects thus formed and (2) thermoplastic deformation of BMG foams. Typically, the generation of BMG foams would involve mixtures of precursor chemicals that would be subjected to suitable pressure and temperature schedules. In addition to serving as structural components, objects containing or consisting of BMG foams could perform such functions as thermal management, shielding against radiation, and shielding against hypervelocity impacts of micrometeors and small debris particles.
This work was done by Jay Hanan of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, William Johnson of Caltech, and Atakan Peker of LiquidMetal Technologies. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Materials category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
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Refer to NPO-41102, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Advanced Metal Foam Structures for Outer Space
(reference NPO-41102) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Advanced Metal Foam Structures for Outer Space" is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), detailing advancements in the development and application of metal foams, particularly Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) foams, for aerospace purposes. The document emphasizes the unique properties of these materials, which include high strength, elasticity, and energy absorption capabilities, making them suitable for various applications in outer space environments.
The primary objective of the research is to exploit the advantageous characteristics of amorphous metals to create high-performance cellular structures. These structures are lightweight yet possess high specific stiffness, making them ideal for use in lunar habitats and other extraterrestrial applications. The document outlines the innovative processes involved in producing these foams, such as thermoplastic foaming of foam precursors, which results in a uniform distribution of cells without liquid drainage, leading to fully amorphous products.
The document also highlights the collaborative efforts between JPL and other institutions, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and LiquidMetal Technologies. These partnerships aim to enhance the understanding and application of advanced metal foams in aerospace technology, potentially leading to breakthroughs in the design and construction of structures that can withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Additionally, the document provides insights into the mechanical properties of these foams, including their energy absorption capabilities and stress plateau characteristics, which are critical for ensuring structural integrity during impact or stress events. The use of X-Ray CT scans to analyze foam structures is also mentioned, showcasing the advanced imaging techniques employed to study the internal configurations of these materials.
Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the potential of advanced metal foams in aerospace applications, particularly in the context of future lunar missions and habitats. It underscores NASA's commitment to exploring innovative materials and technologies that can enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of space exploration. The document is part of NASA's broader initiative to disseminate aerospace-related developments with wider technological, scientific, and commercial implications.
