Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Lightweight, High Strength Nano-Composite Magnesium for Radiators, Phase I
Project Introduction
In this Phase I SBIR, Terves will develop processing routes to produce high thermal conductivity magnesium composites for use in heat transfer applications such as radiator materials. Terves will use and refine ultrasonic casting processes developed over the past three years and move into a magnesium based material using high aspect ratio carbon fibers and diamond particles by dispersing in a liquid state. The cast material will be rolled into sheet and tested for thermal and structural properties and compared to currently available materials. A successful program will result in a new, high thermal conductivity material that is lighter than current aluminum composites with the same or similar strengths. This composite will be applied in spacecraft for fast and effective heat transfer, enabling lighter thermal transfer systems by removing previous design constraints.
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Anticipated Benefits
Radiators often exceed 40% of the total thermal component mass. Estimating the fraction of joints and mechanism components to be approximately 35% of radiator weight, it is expected that the total weigh of the joints and fittings will be approximately 770 lbs. The materials that are proposed for this project promise thermal conductivities in the range of state of the art aluminum composite at a 33% weight savings Based upon this comparison, at least a 50% weight savings should be achievable. Specific trade studies will be conducted to determine actual component designs and weight savings. Terves has identified both near-term high value niche markets for the composite materials technology to be developed under the proposed program, as well as longer term, high volume growth markets for the technology to sustain continued market expansion. The following markets are driven by the need for high conductivity, low CTE materials. Near-term high value niche markets include: ÔøΩ Aerospace/electronics Industry (radiator, heat sink, chip carrier, heat pipe) ÔøΩ Combustion Engine Component (pistons, cylinder liners) ÔøΩ Chemical Industry (heat exchanger, chemical process equipment) ÔøΩ Structural Application (truss fittings) Longer-term larger markets identified include: ÔøΩ Automobile Components (hydraulics/brake systems) ÔøΩ Abrasives Industries (drill bits, tool holders, mining equipment) ÔøΩ Low Friction Corrosion Resistant Coatings ÔøΩ Friction and Wear Material Applications
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terves Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Euclid, Ohio |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Ohio
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Terves Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2014
End: Dec 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 5 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX14 Thermal Management Systems
- TX14.2 Thermal Control Components and Systems
- TX14.2.3 Heat Rejection and Storage
Target Destination
Earth
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