Project Title:
Atomic-Oxygen Resistant Tribo-Surfaces
92-1-04.10-5940 NAS08-39800
Atomic-Oxygen Resistant Tribo-Surfaces
Colorado Engineering Research Laboratory, Inc.
1500 Teakwood Court
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Ronghua Wei (303-484-5940)
Abstract:
This project will evaluate the tribological performance of
commercially available solid and grease lubricants in a simulated
atomic oxygen (SAO) environment and will investigate innovative
lubrication concepts with long-duration tribological resistance to
atomic oxygen (AO). Spacecraft mechanisms operating in the low
earth orbit environment will be subjected to long duration (up to
30 years) exposure to AO, which can degrade the tribological
performance of epoxy-bonded, solid lubricants and organic-based
greases. This degradation can jeopardize mission success. This
project will perform tribological screening in SAO and
subsequently rank commercially available lubricants of interest to
NASA for space mechanism applications. This project will also
investigate and develop two novel solid lubricant materials: a
more adherent, SAO-resistant, diamond-like carbon coating with an
improved, intermediate-bond-layer material and a longer endurance
molybdenum disulfide coating produced by ion implantation of the
substrate. Benefits to NASA from Phase I will include quantitative
ranking of the synergistic SAO-wear resistance of commercial
lubricants and the development of two new solid lubricants of
potential application for space mechanisms that may be subjected
to long-duration, SAO exposures.
Potential Commercial Application:
Potential Commercial Applications: This project will provide a
quantifiable screening test method to evaluate lubricant and
tribomaterials' resistances to sliding wear under a simulated
atomic oxygen environment and will provide increased-lifetime,
low-friction, and low-wear solid lubricants (i.e., diamond-like
carbon and molybdenum disulphide) for components such as bearings,
gears, shafts, cams, ways, and hinges for terrestrial and space
systems.
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