About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Materials and Manufacturing in Low Earth Orbit (and Beyond)
|
| Presentation Title |
Porosity formation and microstructure characterization in pulsed LBW of 316L SS under space conditions and different levels of gravity |
| Author(s) |
Kaue C. Riffel, Eugene Choi, Aaron Brimmer, Will McAuley, Boyd Panton, Ali Nassiri, Antonio J Ramirez |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Kaue C. Riffel |
| Abstract Scope |
In-Space Welding (ISW) has been explored since the 1960s, with early experiments on Skylab and later ground-based and parabolic flight studies. Although activity declined in the 1970s, renewed interest in long-term space operations and advances in welding have revived ISW development. Replicating the combined effects of space—thermal, vacuum, gravity, and radiation—on Earth is challenging, making low-cost testing in thermal vacuum chambers and parabolic flights essential. Most ISW research has centered on arc, electron beam, or continuous laser welding, with limited focus on pulsed laser beam welding (LBW). Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding how gravity variations affect porosity and microstructure in aerospace alloys like 316L stainless steel. This study addresses that gap by examining porosity and grain characteristics in pulsed LBW under Earth, lunar, and microgravity conditions. Results from thermal vacuum and parabolic flight experiments aim to enhance understanding of weld quality and process behavior in space environments. |