Project description
A protective coating for 3D-printed space components
In space applications, thermal control, thermal emittance, absorptance and emissivity are critical factors to the optimum performance of space vehicles or satellites. Space components that have been produced by additive manufacturing create related challenges for engineers and materials scientists – they need to effectively radiate heat away while reflecting most of the optical solar spectrum. Although the total weight of 3D-printed components can be optimised using a numerical method called topology optimisation, the resulting geometry is complex and thus difficult to coat. The EU-funded SolCoat project seeks to develop an advanced coating solution that should suppress stray light from 3D-printed space components. The coating could also be used in the internal surfaces of satellites to maximise heat dissipation.
Objective
Thermo-optical coatings with high optical absorptance and high thermal emittance are a critical technology for a range of different space applications, including stray light suppression, and also passive thermal control of the internal surfaces of satellites. Development of new space coatings with high thermal emittance have also been highlighted as important for accurate absolute temperature calibration (Section 4.9.2 N28b of the European Commision/ESA/EDA Draft Critical Space Technologies for European Strategic Non-Dependence).
In the past few years, the use of additive manufacturing for satellite components (both structural and functional elements) has increased rapidly. This has fuelled a shift towards topologically optimised hardware. Although topological optimisation reduces component mass, it typically results in very complex geometries, which are difficult to coat by conventional means.
The applicant company is seeking to develop a thermo-optical coating for space applications with suitable optical properties for use as a stray light suppression coating, which is conducive to deposition on complex shaped geometries produced by additive manufacture (AM). Specifically, the coating would require high optical absorptance (≥ 0.96) and high thermal emittance (≥ 0.90) along with suitable rheological properties. A coating with these optical properties could additionally be used for coating the internal surfaces of satellites in order to maximise heat dissipation from high power density payloads.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering manufacturing engineering additive manufacturing
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.2.3.2.2. - Enhancing the innovation capacity of SMEs
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
CSA - Coordination and support action
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-INNOSUP-2018-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
V94FF89 Limerick
Ireland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.