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Evaluation of the Curing of Adhesive Systems by Rheological and Thermal Testing
Published on: July 3, 2020
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Assessing the Long-Term Performance of Adhesive Joints in Space Structures during Interplanetary Exploration
Gabin Charpentier1,2, Ugo Lafont3, Sofia Teixeira de Freitas1
1Department of Aerospace Structures and Materials, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS Delft, The Netherlands.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2023
Summary
Reusable spacecraft face increased mechanical stress. This study examines how electron irradiation and thermal vacuum cycling affect two common spacecraft adhesives, evaluating their long-term durability for space applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Adhesion Science
Background:
- Reusable spacecraft designed for interplanetary exploration and repeated landings will experience greater mechanical loads.
- The long-term effects of the space environment on adhesive materials used in spacecraft structures are not fully understood.
- Adhesives are critical for spacecraft assembly, and their performance degradation impacts structural integrity and mission longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aging behavior of two widely used spacecraft adhesives: Scotch-Weld™ EC-2216 and Scotch-Weld™ EC-9323-2.
- To evaluate the impact of high-energy electron irradiation and thermal vacuum cycling on adhesive properties and adhesion.
- To assess the performance of these adhesives when bonded to carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum substrates.
Main Methods:
- Adhesives were subjected to two aging conditions: high-energy electron irradiation and thermal vacuum cycling.
- Tensile tests, peel tests, and double-cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed to evaluate adhesion strength and fracture toughness.
- Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to characterize the intrinsic viscoelastic properties of the aged adhesives.
Main Results:
- The study quantified changes in adhesive properties and adhesion to CFRP and aluminum after exposure to simulated space environment conditions.
- Electron irradiation and thermal cycling induced measurable degradation in the mechanical performance of both adhesives.
- Specific failure modes and property evolutions were identified for each adhesive and substrate combination under different aging scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide crucial data on the long-term durability of common spacecraft adhesives under space environmental stressors.
- Understanding adhesive aging is essential for designing reliable and reusable spacecraft for extended interplanetary missions.
- This research informs material selection and predicts the service life of adhesive joints in future space exploration vehicles.
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