Corrosion in space

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Corrosion in space is the

atomic oxygen, play a major role. The concentration of atomic oxygen depends on altitude and solar activity, as the bursts of ultraviolet radiation cause photodissociation of molecular oxygen.[1] Between 160 and 560 km, the atmosphere consists of about 90% atomic oxygen.[2]

Materials

Corrosion in space has the highest impact on spacecraft with moving parts. Early satellites tended to develop problems with seizing bearings. Now the bearings are coated with a thin layer of gold.

Different materials resist corrosion in space differently. For example,

micrometeorites
.

Silver builds up a layer of silver oxide, which tends to flake off and has no protective function; such gradual erosion of silver interconnects of solar cells was found to be the cause of some observed in-orbit failures.[3]

Many

silica
which is brittle and tends to crack.

Solving corrosion

The process of space corrosion is being actively investigated. One of the efforts aims to design a sensor based on zinc oxide, able to measure the amount of atomic oxygen in the vicinity of the spacecraft; the sensor relies on drop of electrical conductivity of zinc oxide as it absorbs further oxygen. [citation needed]

Other problems

The

solar panels. Deposits of up to several micrometers were observed after 10 years of service on the solar panels of the Mir space station.[5]

Other sources of problems for structures subjected to outer space are erosion and redeposition of the materials by

material fatigue
caused by cyclical heating and cooling and associated thermal expansion mechanical stresses.

References

  1. ^ Martines, S. "Analysis of LEO Radiation Environment and itsEffects on Spacecraft's Critical Electronic Dev ices". Mendeley. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  2. ^ The Use of Silicone Adhesives in Space Applications
  3. ^ Myer Kutz - Handbook of Environmental Degradation of Materials (2005, 0815515006)
  4. ^ "Optimizing Atomic Oxygen Resistance on Coated Substrates Using TechOptimizer". Archived from the original on 2006-06-24. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
  5. S2CID 136474988
    .

External links

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