Research considers Martian regolith/Ti6Al4V composites for in-space Additive Manufacturing

October 19, 2022

(A) NASA's Curiosity Mars rover indicates the rover's scooping regolith samples for analysis (B) schematics of Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processing (Courtesy Amit Bandyopadhyay, as published in International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology)
(A) NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover indicates the rover’s scooping regolith samples for analysis (B) schematics of Directed Energy Deposition (DED) processing (Courtesy Amit Bandyopadhyay, as published in International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology)

In-situ Additive Manufacturing is a hot topic, whether for safety (as on a battlefield) or simply as the method that makes the most logistical sense in remote locations. This is especially the case when it comes to space exploration; it isn’t ideal to waste precious space with an inventory of spare parts or require a Martian delivery of components as problems arise. Researchers from Washington State University have recently investigated the use of Martian regolith (the layer of superficial deposits of dust, broken rocks, etc., covering bedrock) in Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing.

The results, published in The International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology as ‘Martian regolith – Ti6Al4V composites via Additive Manufacturing,’ investigated the processability of 5, 10 and 100 wt.% of Martian regolith premixed with Ti6Al4V using DED. The researchers analysed the resultant additively manufactured structures via X-ray diffraction, Vicker’s microhardness, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging and wear characteristics via an abrasive water jet cutter which was used to simulate the abrasive Martian environment.

The results indicate that the surface roughness and hardness of the composites increase with respect to the Martian regolith’s weight percentage due to in-situ ceramic reinforcement. For instance, i5-wt.% addition of Martian regolith increased the Vicker’s microhardness from 366 ± 6 HV0.2 for as-manufactured Ti64 to 730 ± 27 HV0.2 while maintaining similar abrasive wear performance as Ti6Al4V. The results are said to point toward laser-based Additive Manufacturing for fabricating Ti64— Martian regolith composites with comparable properties. The study also reveals what are called promising results in limiting the mass burden for future space missions, resulting in cheaper and easier launches.

The paper, by Ali Afrouzian, Kellen D Traxel and Amit Bandyopadhyay of Washington State University is available here in full.

www.wsu.edu

In the latest issue of Metal AM magazine

Download PDF
 

Extensive AM industry news coverage, as well as the following exclusive deep-dive articles:

  • Metal powders in Additive Manufacturing: An exploration of sustainable production, usage and recycling
  • Inside Wayland Additive: How innovation in electron beam PBF is opening new markets for AM
  • An end-to-end production case study: Leveraging data-driven machine learning and autonomous process control in AM
  • Consolidation, competition, and the cost of certification: Insight from New York’s AM Strategies 2024
  • Scandium’s impact on the Additive Manufacturing of aluminium alloys
  • AM for medical implants: An analysis of the impact of powder reuse in Powder Bed Fusion

The world of metal AM to your inbox

Don't miss any new issue of Metal AM magazine, and get the latest industry news. Sign up to our twice weekly newsletter.

Sign up

Discover our magazine archive…

The free to access Metal Additive Manufacturing magazine archive offers unparalleled insight into the world of metal Additive Manufacturing from a commercial and technological perspective through:

  • Reports on visits to leading metal AM part manufacturers and industry suppliers
  • Articles on technology and application trends
  • Information on materials developments
  • Reviews of key technical presentations from the international conference circuit
  • International industry news

All past issues are available to download as free PDFs or view in your browser.

Browse the archive

Looking for AM machines, metal powders or part manufacturing services?

Discover suppliers of these and more in our comprehensive advertisers’ index and buyer’s guide, available in the back of Metal AM magazine.

  • AM machines
  • Process monitoring & calibration
  • Heat treatment & sintering
  • HIP systems & services
  • Pre- & post-processing technology
  • Powders, powder production and analysis
  • Part manufacturers
  • Consulting, training & market data
View online
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap