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.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA-LSP - Coordination and support action Lump sumCoordinator
V94FF89 Limerick
Ireland
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