Project description
Pioneering high-entropy alloys for propulsion systems
Next-generation space exploration propulsion systems will rely on high-temperature materials guaranteeing low density, high strength and ductility, oxidation resistance and good creep capacities. High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a relatively new class of materials with potentially high specific strength and oxidation resistance at high temperatures. HEAs are an alternative to superalloys in propulsion system components. However, they are not yet entirely studied. The EU-funded ATLAS project will study existing restrictions and unsolved issues that limit the employment of HEAs. The project will advance a multidisciplinary materials design structure improving HEAs and related materials compounds towards the practical requirements of the space propulsion industry, using two different additive manufacturing processes of production.
Objective
The development of next generation space exploration propulsion systems requires high temperature materials able to guarantee low density, high strength and ductility, oxidation resistance, good creep properties.
High Entropy Alloys (HEA) are an excellent candidate due to their potential high specific strength and oxidation resistance at high temperatures and have been identified as possible replacement for superalloys in propulsion systems components.
HEAs are relatively new class of materials and although since 2004 more than 600 HEA journal and conference papers have been published the whole HEA world still leaves un-answered questions. Therefore, in order to exploit these advancements on HEA, further work is needed.
The main goal of ATLAS is to take over the present limitations and unsolved issues that limit the utilization of HEA through multidisciplinary materials design framework that advances the state-of-the-art of High Entropy Alloys and related materials compounds towards the practical needs (current and future) of the space propulsion industry.
To achieve this ambitious result the following challenges will be addressed: defnition of an accurate material property database, design of the HEA, definition of Hybrid/Compound solutions with combination of HEA materials joined to Ceramics and/or Ceramic Matric Composites (CMCs) to create lightweight and temperature resistant functional materials, manufacturing of near-net shape manufacturing and materials integration/joining with Ceramics and CMCs.
To produce the HEA materials and related compounds materials designed within the project two different additive manufacturing processes will be used from the production of coupons and samples to the final full scale demenstration, thus paving the path for the application of HEAs for the new generation of space propulsion.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyspace exploration
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcomposites
- natural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistryelectrolysis
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringceramics
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
20133 Milano
Italy