The Swiss companies CompPair and CSEM together with the Belgian company Com&Sens cooperates with the European Space Agency (ЕКА) to modify its self-healing carbon fiber for use in space vehicles.
Project "Cassandra" (short for Composite Autonomous SenSing AnD RepAir) includes sensors and heating element in composite carbon fiber material, which allows spacecraft to autonomously repair the initial stages of damage.
"Cassandra" is part of the European Space Agency's "Future Innovative Research in Space Transportation" initiative (FIRST!), which is engaged in the search and testing of innovative technologies, that will benefit European space transport.
Composite materials, such as polymers, reinforced with carbon fiber, increasingly used in spacecraft designs. They consist of a polymer matrix, reinforced with layers of carbon or fiberglass. This creates a strong and light material, resistant to corrosion. However, composite materials are also susceptible to damage, especially if they repeatedly fly into space and back, and small cracks may worsen over time. Repairs can be expensive and time-consuming, and can also weaken structural integrity.
In view of this, the CompPair company developed "HealTech" - a composite material, which is capable of "self-healing". By heating the material, the healing agent inside is activated and remelted to repair the damage, caused by impact or stress.
A prototype composite structure was created by integrating a network of fiber optic sensors into HealTech fibers, impregnated with resin. Sensors accurately detect any damage to the structure. After detection, the material is heated using integrated aluminum grids, printed on a 3D printer, up to 100–140°C.
Different samples of the material ranging in size from 2 were tested×10 cm to 40×40 cm. The tests focused on the effectiveness of material damage monitoring, uniform heating and self-healing ability. in addition, thermal shock tests were performed to control the response of the material to typical cryogenic tank conditions.
The next phase of testing will involve adapting the material to a larger form, such as a full cryogenic fuel tank.
This material can reduce the amount of waste, formed as a result of space missions, and is ideal for multiple launchers. The implementation of this technology could have huge advantages for spacecraft. This will help develop reusable space infrastructure and reduce mission costs. It really proves it, what European innovation can do for the space sector.
Source: https://www.esa.int