About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Space
|
| Presentation Title |
Quantifying Material Consistency in Al-Regolith Composite Rods Fabricated via Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) for Twin-rod Additive Friction Stir Deposition (TR-AFSD) |
| Author(s) |
Adam N. Swinney, Charlye R. Baker, Zina Kallien, Paul G. Allison, J. Brian Jordon, Trevor J. Fleck |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Adam N. Swinney |
| Abstract Scope |
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is critical for sustainable lunar exploration, motivating the incorporation of lunar regolith into aluminum to reduce material demand while maintaining structural performance. Because conventional melt processing is challenging in extraterrestrial environments, shear assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) has emerged as a promising solid-state feedstock fabrication method. Components repaired and fabricated with these rods via twin-rod additive friction stir deposition (TR-AFSD) demonstrate the ability of these paired technologies to quickly provide solutions in austere conditions. However, the solid-state nature of both processes introduces complex material flow and mixing behaviors, particularly in aluminum-regolith systems. This study employed volumetric X-ray computed tomography (XCT), complemented by process analysis and inspection methods, to quantitatively evaluate regolith composition and distribution in TR-AFSD builds utilizing ShAPE aluminum-regolith rods. The approach provides insight into aluminum-regolith consolidation mechanisms and supports advancement of friction stir-based processes as a point-of-need manufacturing solution for lunar applications. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Aluminum, Process Technology |