NIMS Issues Data Sheets on the Mechanical Properties of Space Use Materials
National Institute for Materials Science
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
NIMS in collaboration with JAXA is engaged in various activities related to the preparation of data on the strength properties of practical materials, with the aim of improving the reliability of Japan’s H-IIA and H-IIB rockets.
Abstract
The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS; President: Sukekatsu Ushioda), in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA; President: Keiji Tachikawa), is engaged in various activities related to the preparation of data on the strength properties of practical materials, with the aim of improving the reliability of Japan’s H-IIA and H-IIB rockets. As one result of this effort, NIMS recently issued three Space Use Materials Strength Data Sheets, “No. 14 Data Sheet on Fatigue Crack Propagation Characteristics of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn ELI Alloy Forged Material (φ180mm Billet),” “No. 15 Data Sheet on Fatigue Crack Propagation Characteristics of Alloy 718 Forged Material (φ165mm Billet), and “No. 16 Data Sheet on High Cycle Fatigue Characteristics of Unidirectionally-Solidified Low Carbon Alloy 247 Material.”
This activity is being carried out as part of efforts by NIMS to improve the intellectual infrastructure under its 2nd Mid-Term Program (FY2006-FY2010), and by JAXA to maintain and develop space transport systems under its Second Stage Mid-Term Plan (FY2008-2012). To date, the two organizations have achieved a number of important results in this connection, including elucidation of the mechanism of fatigue at cryogenic temperatures in titanium alloys and Ni-base superalloys.
In the future, NIMS plans to issue Data Sheets on Ni-base superalloys (cast materials and welded materials) and aluminum alloy casting materials for use in rocket engines.
