| Abstract Scope |
Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have been researched and commercialized for more than three decades, showing unique potential in various applications but still lacking a strong commercial foothold. NASA has previously demonstrated several viable applications for BMGs in spacecraft, including cryo-capable gears and actuators, flexures and compliant mechanisms, demisable structures, debris shielding, and inserts, among others, but commercialization of these applications remains elusive. This talk will focus on some of the considerations needed to successfully commercialize BMGs, including discussion of alloy composition and purity, manufacturing, qualification and specifications, mechanical properties, post processing, and supply-chain considerations. These factors all have implications on commercial viability of BMGs and thus, their future availability for spacecraft applications. |