Additive manufacturing of ceramic single and multi-material components–A groundbreaking innovation for space applications too?

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Uwe Scheithauer - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Eric Schwarzer-Fischer - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Jan Sieder-Katzmann - , Chair of Space Systems (Author)
  • Martin Propst - , Chair of Space Systems (Author)
  • Johannes Abel - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Lisa Gottlieb - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Steven Weingarten - , AMAREA Technology GmbH (Author)
  • Lars Rebenklau - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Henry Barth - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Christian Bach - , Chair of Space Systems (Author)

Abstract

The main advantages of ceramic materials are their excellent thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties. They also have a much lower density than metals, making them ideal for lightweight construction, which can also be interesting for space components. However, ceramics have not been widely used due to their low ductility and the challenges of mechanical processing using conventional methods like milling and turning. Additionally, integrating different functions into a single component has been limited. The introduction of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies has revolutionized this field. It is now possible to manufacture highly complex ceramic components with unprecedented functionality. By hybridizing different manufacturing technologies and materials, additional functions such as electrical contacts, sensors, and actuators can be directly integrated, leading to improved manufacturing costs and component properties. Three different demonstrator examples are presented in this paper to give a first impression of what will be possible in the field of space applications in the future. These examples are a ceramic igniter, a ceramic reactor for thermal decomposition of H2O2, and a ceramic aerospike engine.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)155-162
Number of pages8
JournalActa astronautica
Volume221
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85194190181

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Additive manufacturing, Ceramics, Functionalization, Hybridization, Multi-functional, Multi-material