What outer structural materials are suitable for high altitude?

In summary: Yes, NASA has a lot of detailed information on different materials that can be found on their website. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be a homework question. I hope that you will find a better forum on which to ask questions about your project.
  • #1
TheBox
5
0
Homework Statement:: n/a
Homework Equations:: n/a

Hello , I am researching some material science and looking for suitable structural materials for high altitude , low level orbit flight .

Would a carbon structure be suitable or would there be pressure problems that cause structural collapse ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Probably the materials that are used in things like the Space Shuttle, low-orbit satellites, etc. Have you done much reading about them yet? If so, what kind of materials do they use?
 
  • Like
Likes TheBox
  • #3
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Probably the materials that are used in things like the Space Shuttle, low-orbit satellites, etc. Have you done much reading about them yet? If so, what kind of materials do they use?
Thank you for your reply

Google search

aluminum

A rocket must withstand the strong forces during launch and be as light as possible. For the main frame most rockets use aerospace grade aluminum or titanium since both metals are very strong but light weight. Future rocket designs are even looking into using carbon composite structures.22 May 2017
I considered carbon myself as it is a light weight material but I am unsure of what sort of stress may be put on the material when in low level orbit / space flight .
I am assuming that any stress would be the opposite of centripetal pressure and more towards an expansion pressure ?
 
  • #4
This does not sound like homework, so I moved it to a better forum.

You ask about expansion. Do you mean that this might be a pressurized container?

I think we need more information about what you are trying to accomplish before we can answer. If you look at the videos of the ISS, you can see many dozens of materials in orbit.
 
  • #5
anorlunda said:
This does not sound like homework, so I moved it to a better forum.

You ask about expansion. Do you mean that this might be a pressurized container?

I think we need more information about what you are trying to accomplish before we can answer. If you look at the videos of the ISS, you can see many dozens of materials in orbit.
Yes ! The craft will be a pressurized craft , the interior suitable for life support .
 
  • #6
Either you are writing a SciFi story, or you are a NASA employee. Which?
 
  • #7
anorlunda said:
Either you are writing a SciFi story, or you are a NASA employee. Which?
Neither , I am presently an inventor and designer whom is presently considering a craft that can fly in low level orbit as an airplane would in the atmosphere . I am presently considering mechanical stress on materials and the construction . Constructing a craft within an atmosphere , is constructed under air pressure . I am concerned that the pressured construction may experience ''centrifuge'' stress tensors when entering low level orbit , the air pressure being removed .
 
  • #8
Aluminum is traditional in aircraft design. But composite materials including carbon fiber are used on modern aircraft. Composites have a high strength to weight ratio.

I don't think there's much difference between an airplane and low orbit craft. Consider stress due to pressure differences. Consider temperature extremes. Consider launch/retrieval. Consider vibration and fatigue for long lifetime. Consider flexibility. Consider manufacturing methods.

If there are no air voids in the material, then there is little problem with those voids expanding when outside pressure is reduced. Off gassing could ruin that. Even aluminum sheets are created under air pressure.

I'm sure NASA must have data on composite materials in space. In the ISS or James Webb Space Telescope for example.
 
  • Informative
Likes Klystron
  • #9
anorlunda said:
Aluminum is traditional in aircraft design. But composite materials including carbon fiber are used on modern

I'm sure NASA must have data on composite materials in space. In the ISS or James Webb Space Telescope for example.

I'm sure NASA would have that specific information although some of it may be classified !

I am personally considering a mixture of materials , accounting for the propulsion system etc . My design will be able to enter low level orbit , the craft and the occupants of the craft experiencing almost 0 g-force stress ,
 
  • #10
From NASA: Shuttle launch 3g
(https://spaceflight.nasa.gov/feedback/expert/answer/crew/sts-92/index.html)

Third-party report about Soyuz: Normal re-entry= 4.5g. Emergency re-entry= 6 to 7g
(https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/scienc...escent-was-harrowing-high-g-ordeal-ncna919246)

Maximum for survival = 25g, if wearing a g-suit and are well trained and lucky.

(above found with:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=maximum+G+force+of+space+shuttle)

Please add safety factors; especially for vibration and wind buffeting.

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • #11
TheBox said:
My design will be able to enter low level orbit , the craft and the occupants of the craft experiencing almost 0 g-force stress ,
Well, except for those pesky liftoff and reentry portions of the flight... :wink:
 
  • #12
TheBox said:
I'm sure NASA would have that specific information although some of it may be classified !
The ISS is not a military project. You may not find actual design drawings online, but you should try doing some basic googling of your question. There is a ton of information out there that you could spend many hours browsing if you just try.
 

1. What is the purpose of using high altitude structural materials?

The purpose of using high altitude structural materials is to ensure that the structure can withstand the extreme conditions found at high altitudes, such as low temperatures, high winds, and low air pressure.

2. What properties should high altitude structural materials have?

High altitude structural materials should have high strength, low density, and good resistance to corrosion and fatigue. They should also be able to maintain their properties at low temperatures and in low air pressure environments.

3. What are some commonly used high altitude structural materials?

Some commonly used high altitude structural materials include aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and carbon fiber composites. These materials have the necessary properties to withstand the extreme conditions at high altitudes.

4. How are high altitude structural materials tested for suitability?

High altitude structural materials are tested using various methods, such as tensile and compression testing, impact testing, and fatigue testing. These tests help determine the strength, durability, and performance of the materials under high altitude conditions.

5. Are there any new developments in high altitude structural materials?

Yes, there are ongoing research and development efforts to create new high altitude structural materials with improved properties. Some examples include the use of advanced composites and nanomaterials, as well as the development of coatings to enhance the performance of existing materials.

Similar threads

  • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
719
Replies
74
Views
5K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
0
Views
509
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
271
Replies
30
Views
8K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
564
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
4
Views
3K
Back
Top