Choosing materials for space structures

In summary, interstellar travel is currently mostly a thought experiment, although NASA will be launching a solar sail in a few years. The materials best suited for structures to support interstellar travel are steel or aluminum, both in the shape of a cylinder. The expected life of such a structure would be limited by corrosion, radiation, and other factors. There is no "ideal" material for this application, and estimating a usable life for the structure is difficult due to lack of data on material performance over centuries. Failure modes would likely include fatigue, creep, erosion, and corrosion. Most spacecraft have a lifetime of 7-30 years, but the Voyager spacecraft, which launched in 1977, exceeded this timeframe and are still exploring
  • #1
astrogeek84
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Interstellar travel is mostly a though experiment at this stage (although NASA will be launching the solar sail SunJammer in a couple of years). My question is a very broad one about what type of materials would be well-suited for structures to support interstellar travel.

Any human habitat would be pressurized (to ~14-21 psia) and (probably) made out of steel (like the Centaur, the upper stage of the Atlas V rocket) or aluminum in the shape of a cylinder. What could be the expected life of such a structure in this environment (corrosion due to moisture, radiation, etc.).
Is there an "ideal" material for this application? How might you estimate a usable life for the structure? I've never really seen much data where material performance is extrapolated to centuries (rather than years). When a structure of this sort does fail, what would be the failure mode?
 
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  • #2
Usually for spacecraft , one wants a high strength-to-weight ratio. One wishes to minimize mass (propulsive energy/power requirements) that must be transported long distances.

We do not have much experience of highly engineered materials (advanced alloys and materials) over more than a few decades.

Fatigue/creep, and possibly erosion/corrosion, would be limiting over long periods of time.

Most applications of spacecraft are within the neighborhoods of the Earth or solar system, so the lifetime might be 7 years, 10 years, or 30 years, or mission time + margin. We are a lot smarter now than we were when the Voyager spacecraft were launched.

SPACECRAFT LIFETIME
The Voyager spacecraft launched in August and September of 1977 and spent more than 11 years exploring the likes of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune before officially heading off toward interstellar space in 1989.

. . . .
http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/ spacecraft /
 

1. What factors are important to consider when choosing materials for space structures?

Some important factors to consider are the material's strength, weight, resistance to extreme temperatures, and ability to withstand radiation and micrometeoroids.

2. What types of materials are commonly used for space structures?

Commonly used materials include aluminum, titanium, and composites such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). These materials have high strength-to-weight ratios and can withstand the harsh conditions of space.

3. How do scientists test the suitability of materials for space structures?

Scientists use a variety of tests, such as tensile strength tests, thermal cycling tests, and exposure to simulated space environments, to determine a material's suitability for use in space structures.

4. Are there any new or innovative materials being developed for space structures?

Yes, scientists are continually researching and developing new materials for use in space structures. These include advanced composites, such as graphene, and materials designed to self-heal or repair in the event of damage.

5. How do the materials used for space structures differ from those used for Earth-bound structures?

Materials for space structures must be able to withstand the unique conditions of space, such as extreme temperatures and radiation, which are not typically encountered on Earth. They also need to be lightweight and have high strength-to-weight ratios to minimize the weight of the structure in the weightless environment of space.

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