Our laboratory aims to assess candidate materials and manufacturing processes for space missions, pre-screening them early in their development cycle.

The results obtained will help guide ESA and the wider space industry in deciding where to focus future technology investments.

The lab has access to a metal-based 3D printer and is equipped with a suite of powerful microscopes, an X-ray CT machine and a range of furnaces. Mechanical testing such as tensile and micro-hardness testing is also performed.

We can also employ the many facilities available on the Harwell campus, explains laboratory research fellow Sarah Baker. These include access to semiconductor cleanrooms, cryogenic laboratories, the UK’s Central Laser Facility, the ISIS neutron source and the Diamond Light Source.

We’ve already been using STFC’s ISIS pulsed spallation neutron source to investigate the structural integrity of friction stir welded titanium for use in spacecraft propellant tanks.

ISIS allows residual stress measurements to be performed in the bulk material using neutron diffraction.

Friction welding involves a high speed rubbing together of metal parts rather than the application of external heat to melt the parts. The technique should result in stronger welds. ISIS has allowed us to confirm this by measuring the internal stresses induced by the process to confirm the final weld quality.

3D printing is a key focus of the laboratory, involving parts being built up layer by layer rather than being machined away from bulk material. The print material is typically a powder or wire feedstock that is melted using a laser or electron beam source.

Harwell will be looking at aspects such as the physical process parameters, the impact of powder feedstock and the design procedures used in order to assess the effect of 3D printing techniques upon the quality of manufactured parts.