UNDERSTANDING MINIATURIZED ADDITIVE FRICTION STIR DEPOSITION FOR OFF-EARTH MANUFACTURING
Abstract
Additive manufacturing is shaping to be the dominant in-space manufacturing technique. Characteristics such as near net shape processing and the ability to make many part geometries on the one machine are strong advantages. The majority of in-space additive manufacturing (ISAM) research effort to date has concentrated on polymer printing. However, polymer properties have limitations and the greater need is for high performance metal structural components and spares. Common powder/laser additive manufacturing technologies that work well on Earth cannot be translated readily to space. Handling fine metal powders and controlling melt pools is challenging in low gravity environments. Additionally, these processes require input powders with restrictive characteristics. These powders are unlikely to be made in space, and therefore this hazardous material would require transportation and storage off-Earth. This project proposes that additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) is a feasible ISAM process for metals replacement parts and repair. Uniquely, this metal additive manufacturing process operates without melting the input material, making it ideal for application in a zero gravity environment. Traditionally this is a large format technique capable of high build up rates and manufacture of large parts. However, for transport to and use in space, the scale of the equipment and process needs to be greatly reduced. Understanding AFSD process miniaturization is the challenge tackled in this project. This is a complex problem and the effects of scale will not be linear. This project will combine modelling and experimental research to establish deep process-structure-property relationships for micro-AFSD in bulk and repair deposits from aerospace aluminum alloys.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2023
- Source ID
- FA23862114132
Entities
People
- Daniel Fabijanic
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Deakin University
- United States Air Force