Materials Science Possibilities
on GSC Space Facilities
The goal of materials science research is to study how materials form and how the forming process controls a material's properties. By carefully studying and controlling the processes by which materials are formed, materials scientists can design new alloys, ceramics, glasses, and polymers to improve the performance of products ranging from contact lenses to car engines.
The production process for most materials includes steps that are very heavily influenced by the force of gravity. The chance to observe these processes in low gravity promises to increase our fundamental understanding of production processes and of the materials produced. Scientists will use these insights from space research to improve the properties of materials ranging from glass and steel to semiconductors and plastics.
Highlights of Recent Research
The experiments of Dr. Martin Glicksman of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute flown in space have produced groundbreaking new insights into how the structure of metal forms. Results of his experiment will aid in the development of stronger or more corrosion-resistant metal alloys.
- Based on his orbital research, Dr. Julian Szekely of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed new mathematical techniques to model the behavior of molten metals. These techniques have been used by the metals and semiconductor industries to design equipment and to improve predictions of the behavior of metals during processing.
Space experiments have demonstrated that when gravity's effects are substantially reduced, other forces (such as surface tension) can predominate. These experiments have shown that secondary forces are more significant than previously thought, affecting many ground-based materials production techniques in unexpected ways. Results of this research opens the door for further study and improved processes and materials for the future.
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