| Author(s) |
Antonio J. Ramirez, Boyd Panton, Kaue C. Riffel, Aaron J Brimmer, Will McAuley, Andrew O'Connor, Louise S. Littles, Jeffrey W. Sowards |
| Abstract Scope |
Materials joining in space has been identified as a critical enabling technology for the growing in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) sector. Today, no metallurgical joining processes have been proven fit-for-service for execution in space. There is limited understanding of the effects of the space environment (gravity, atmosphere, and temperature) on the joining processes, the metallurgy, and performance of welded joints. Our team investigates the impact of space conditions on Laser Beam Welding (LBW) of metallic alloys. A 1 kW Yb-fiber laser was fitted into a vacuum chamber for microgravity experiments. To mimic space, our experimental setup rides aboard a parabolic flight where high-vacuum and variable gravity experiments address the impact on weld geometry, microstructure, and defect formation on AA-2219, 316L stainless steel, and Ti alloys. This research represents a significant step toward qualifying LBW for ISAM applications, enabling autonomous, on-demand fabrication and repair in orbit and beyond. |