The project supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) is focused on developing materials that will simultaneously increase strength and ductility. The target area of use of such materials is in the structural components of reusable launch vehicles.
However, the main problem lies in the fact that the strength of the material and its ductility are properties that go against each other. We get the so-called banana curve if we display different materials in the strength (MPa) vs. ductility (%).
The higher the strength of the materials, the lower the ductility, and vice versa. ESA sees this material dilemma as essential and has chosen a team of scientists from IPM to solve it. As part of the supported project SteeLs improved by Oxides and Nitrides dispersion for launchers applications (SLON), we therefore focus on the complete development of the process leading to the simultaneous increase of both opposing material properties. Current research shows that using a bimodal microstructure with dispersed oxide or nitride nanoparticles is promising. The material will be prepared and tested in the IPM laboratories. In addition to the strength and ductility of the studied material, its corrosion resistance will also be monitored.
The project is solved in cooperation with OHB Czechspace s.r.o., which focuses on researching technologies for space applications. We are already working on the CRYSA project with OHB.
Investigation team (from the left): Jan Klusák, Zdeněk Chlup, Filip Šiška, Hynek Hadraba.
