| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Late News Poster Session
|
| Presentation Title |
A-70: Metal AM with Green Lasers is Propelling the Next Generation of Space Exploration |
| Author(s) |
Eliana K. Fu, Marco Goebel, Ulli Kraske |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Eliana K. Fu |
| Abstract Scope |
Recent exciting developments in rocket engine propulsion have included copper alloy engine component manufacturing by metal AM, whether it be in C18150 (CuCrZr) or GR Cop. Copper alloy combustion chambers allow exceptional thermal conductivity and 3D printing will allow improved design and shortened lead time for the manufactured product.
Most typical AM processes involving lasers all use IR (infrared) wavelengths to rapidly melt powder either blown powder or on a powder bed but in fact, green laser light at 515nm, as opposed to infrared (1030-1064nm) is more effective for copper and other highly reflective materials.
Combining a green wavelength in a laser AM process and copper alloy powder results in a printed part with higher as-printed density, less spatter and better surface finish. The production efficiencies obtained with green lasers translate to bigger and better engines, improved thrust output and bigger payload or higher orbit that can be achieved. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |
| Keywords |
Additive Manufacturing, Copper / Nickel / Cobalt, Other |