About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2027 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Space
|
| Presentation Title |
Laser beam welding benchmark experiments in combined hypogravity and vacuum |
| Author(s) |
Andrew O'Connor, Emma K Jaynes, Louise S Littles, Thomas C Bryan, Jennifer M Jones, Benjamin L Rupp, Christopher S Protz, Jeffrey W Sowards |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Andrew O'Connor |
| Abstract Scope |
Laser beam welding (LBW) is a promising manufacturing and repair process for use in space. Literature and previous experiments on the ground confirmed the substantial influence of vacuum on the process and the resulting weld, especially in the keyhole mode. However, the effect of gravity is still being actively investigated in the various modes and parameter sets of LBW. As such, NASA Marshall is conducting an intensive process development effort to elucidate the combined effect of hypogravity and vacuum on LBW. Process data collected during flight experiments will include weld bead morphology, spatter, and vapor plume dynamics along with thermal data via thermocouples and thermography. When combined with post-flight weld inspection, materials diagnostics, and mechanical testing, this robust dataset will inform future efforts and validate computational models. A parabolic flight to demonstrate functionality of the experimental setup is anticipated in fall 2027 with an on-orbit demonstration to follow. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Joining, Solidification, Modeling and Simulation |