Intern Designed Modules for Conducting Potential Microgravity Solidification Experiments aboard the International Space Station

Authors

  • Justin McElderry Milwaukee School of Engineering NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17307/wsc.v1i1.285

Keywords:

Microgravity, Soldering, International Space Station, Directional Solidification, Solidification, In-Space Manufacturing, ISS, ISM

Abstract

MMaJIC (Microgravity Materials Joining Investigation Chamber) is a modular experiment chamber for performing materials science investigations. MMaJIC provides a controlled and sealed test environment for a wide variety of soldering and brazing experiment to examine porosity in microgravity. MMaJIC’s modular cartridge design includes a tray for housing the solder experiments and demonstrates simplicity to astronauts. SoLIDD (Solid Liquid Interface Directional Device) is a device for conducting directional solidification experiments which enables control of the microstructural development. SoLIDD has capability for varying temperature gradient and growth velocity. These quantities utilize heaters, coolers, and a directional drive unit. ICED-T (Interface Control Experiment with Directional Translation) is an apparatus that conducts directional solidification experiments of transparent materials which allows direct observation of the solid/liquid interface. Currently, it is in a breadboard phase that consists of the components mounted to a surface that allows the sample to be placed in an upright position. Orientation of the experiment (solid on the bottom, liquid on top) is important during testing ground samples to maintain stability.  Ultimately, the goal of ICED-T is to conduct successful ground tests and then be configured to fit into an enclosure similar to MMaJIC and SoLIDD that could be utilized aboard the ISS.

Author Biography

Justin McElderry, Milwaukee School of Engineering NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

I am a mechanical engineering student with an interest in design engineering for innovative aerospace, energy, and robotic technology. I deliver solutions from efficient designing, knowledge in complex mathematics, and leadership in the aeronautical and energy engineering field. One experience has included two internships at NASA where I conducted research and development for two microgravity solidification experiments for the ISS. During school, I am leading the Material Handling Sub-Team for the NASA Lunabotics Team at MSOE in the mission to develop engineering mechanisms and components through experimentation that could assist NASA's journey to Mars.

References

Costello, K., Ferguson, S., and Kinney, S. (2014). Guidelines for Risk Management. Version F, NASA Independent Verification & Validation Program.

Daly, Shannen, (2017). MMaJIC, an Experimental Chamber for Investigating Soldering and Brazing in Microgravity. Gravitational and Space Research, vol. 5 no. 2, 31, pp. 28–34.

McElderry, J., Phillips T., Hardyman M., Ragan J., and Rameshbabu R. (2018). NASA Microgravity Solidification Experiments for the International Space Station. Proceedings of the Wisconsin Space Conference, vol. 1, no. 1.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. (1998). International Space Station Familiarization. Houston, Texas: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Spivey, R., Gilley, S., Ostrogorsky, A., Grugel, R., and Smith, G. (2003). SUBSA and PFMI Transparent Furnace Systems Currently in use in the International Space Station Microgravity Science Glovebox. AIAA 2003- 1362. 41th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit.

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Published

2020-03-16

How to Cite

McElderry, J. (2020). Intern Designed Modules for Conducting Potential Microgravity Solidification Experiments aboard the International Space Station. Proceedings of the Wisconsin Space Conference, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.17307/wsc.v1i1.285

Issue

Section

Physics and Engineering