NIMS Issues New Data Sheets on Strength of Space Use Materials

The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS, President: Teruo Kishi), in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA, President: Keiji Tachikawa), is engaged in activities to improve data on the strength properties of actually-used materials with the aim of improving the reliability of Japan’s H-IIA and H-IIB rockets. As part of the results of this effort, NIMS recently issued two new Data Sheets on the Strength of Space Use Materials, “No. 12, Data Sheet on Fracture Toughness and High Cycle Fatigue Properties of Cast Aluminum Alloy A356-T6” and “No. 13, Data Sheet on Low Cycle Fatigue Properties of Cu-Cr-Zr Alloys.” NIMS also issued a new collection of fracture surface photographs in connection with space use materials, “No. F-3, Fracture Surfaces of Wrought Alloy 718 (φ165mm Billets).”

These activities are part of efforts by NIMS to improve the intellectual infrastructure under its 2nd Mid-Term Program (FY2006-2010) and JAXA to maintain and develop its key rockets under the organization’s 2nd Mid-Term Plan (FY2008-2012). To date, a number of important results have been achieved, including elucidation of the fatigue mechanisms which affect titanium alloys and nickel-based superalloys at cryogenic temperatures.
In the future, NIMS plans to issue data sheets on titanium alloys and nickel-based superalloys (unidirectional solidification materials, welded materials) used in rocket engines.