Prototypic Lightweight Alloy Design for Stellar‐Radiation Environments

Abstract

The existing literature data shows that conventional aluminium alloys may not be suitable for use in stellar-radiation environments as their hardening phases are prone to dissolve upon exposure to energetic irradiation, resulting in alloy softening which may reduce the lifetime of such materials impairing future human-based space missions. The innovative methodology of crossover alloying is herein used to synthesize an aluminium alloy with a radiation resistant hardening phase. This alloy-a crossover of 5xxx and 7xxx series Al-alloys-is subjected to extreme heavy ion irradiations in situ within a TEM up to a dose of 1 dpa and major experimental observations are made: the Mg 32 (Zn,Al) 49 hardening precipitates (denoted as T-phase) for this alloy system surprisingly survive the extreme irradiation conditions, no cavities are found to nucleate and displacement damage is observed to develop in the form of black-spots. This discovery indicates that a high phase fraction of hardening precipitates is a crucial parameter for achieving superior radiation tolerance. Based on such observations, this current work sets new guidelines for the design of metallic alloys for space exploration.

Solution Printing of Electronics and Sensors: Applicability and Application in Space

“…The harsh environment including radiation and thermal cycling always has a negative effect on the structure and performance of the exposed materials in space. [ 102 ] The effect of atomic oxygen erosion is the primary cause of material degradation, which can lead to a decrease in mechanical, optical, and electrical properties for printed electronics. Ouchen et al studied the effects of atmosphere in a low Earth orbit, particularly atomic oxygen, on printed metal traces through direct exposure for 6 months aboard the ISS; they found that the atomic oxygen harmed the unpassivated printed materials, as shown in Figure a.…”

Radiation-resistant aluminium alloy for space missions in the extreme environment of the solar system

“…The adventure of humans in space is mainly permitted through the knowledge acquired by an ancient science: the metallurgy. The role of this science in the human-based exploration of space consists in the design and evaluation of the applicability of new materials for spacecrafts, satellites and space probes within the harsh environment of the space (1,2,3). The knowledge accumulated over 70 years on multinational space programs allowed the elaboration of a current list of materials' requirements for application in extraterrestrial environments, considering the multiple degradation mechanisms that may operate synergistically while in-service in space (2, 3): (i) high strength-to-weight ratio (4, 5, 6, 7), (ii) excellent thermal performance in a broader temperature range whilst in vacuum (8,9,10,6,7,11,12), (iii) high corrosion resistance to active monoatomic species (e.g.…”

“…The knowledge accumulated over 70 years on multinational space programs allowed the elaboration of a current list of materials' requirements for application in extraterrestrial environments, considering the multiple degradation mechanisms that may operate synergistically while in-service in space (2, 3): (i) high strength-to-weight ratio (4, 5, 6, 7), (ii) excellent thermal performance in a broader temperature range whilst in vacuum (8,9,10,6,7,11,12), (iii) high corrosion resistance to active monoatomic species (e.g. O) and to ionizing plasma (13,14,15,16), (iv) easy manufacturability and repairability (17,18), (v) costs (19,20), and (vi) high radiation tolerance (1,2,21,3). As a limiting factor, the first requirement calls for materials that are inherently lightweight as this is intended to minimize payload, fuel demands and low production costs.…”

“…For space-missions beyond the Van-Allen belts and under normal space weather conditions, the total flux of solar energetic particles can reach 10 12 ions•cm −2 •s −1 causing moderate damage to in-service materials (24,22,25). Under abnormal conditions, solar flares and coronal mass ejections can significantly increase the radiation flux in a short-period of time that may lead to severe radiation effects in spacecraft materials (3).…”

“…Both endogenous and exogenous radiation sources within the context of space missions pose new challenges for materials science with respect to the selection of structural materials for application in the extreme environment of the solar system (2,3). Considering the strict high strength-to-weight ratio as a major criteria for materials selection, Al is a preferential metal candidate and, in fact, Al-based alloys are already used in several spacecraft and satellites structures with a dual purpose: to shield and to resist energetic particle and electromagnetic radiations (3). Al-based alloys are inherently lightweight due to their attainable low density and they can also be designed to achieve high levels of strength via precipitation hardening (26,27,28).…”