1. Experimental and analytical studies on behavior of shape memory alloy-based knife-edge seal system for extraterrestrial soil sample return mission.
- Author
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Wang, Jin, Li, Detian, Zhang, Ruguang, Wang, Yongjun, Qing, Gang, Liu, Kun, Xie, Yuanhua, and He, Chengdan
- Subjects
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SOIL sampling , *TITANIUM alloys , *SHAPE memory alloys , *EXTRATERRESTRIAL beings , *SEALING (Technology) , *SPACE exploration , *ALUMINUM alloys - Abstract
One of the primary objectives of deep space exploration is the successful retrieval of soil samples from extraterrestrial objects. The unique sealing requirements for surface soil samples from extraterrestrial bodies present a significant challenge when designing sample containment systems. In this work, a Shape Memory Alloy-based Knife-edge Seal System (SMAKSS) is investigated to enhance the sealing performance of containers used for extraterrestrial soil samples. This research employs a combined approach of theoretical analysis and experimental tests to validate the correlation between the heating temperature of the Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) and the resulting sealing leakage rate. Furthermore, the study examines the leakage rate trends and knife-edge penetration depths of SMAKSS systems constructed with three different material sets under increasing heating temperatures, as well as a comparison of leakage rates between heating temperature and room temperature conditions. Among the three material sets examined, the results indicate that the SMAKSS system with a TA15 titanium alloy lid and a 1070 aluminum alloy container demonstrates a lower leakage rate of 6.97 × 10−11 Pa·m³/s at heating temperatures and superior sealing efficacy even at room temperature. Consequently, the SMAKSS demonstrates a lower leakage rate and superior environmental temperature adaptability, making it the most suitable choice for extraterrestrial soil sample return missions. • The investigated shape memory alloy-based knife-edge seal system is investigated to enhance the sealing performance and biological sterilization of containers used for extraterrestrial soil samples. • This method tackles a common issue in conventional sealing technologies, where leakage rates increase rapidly during rapid temperature drops. • The TA15-1070 SMAKSS exhibits the lowest leakage rate of 3.53 × 10−11 Pa m3/s at 150 °C, and this rate decreases to 1.95 × 10−11 Pa m3/s as the temperature drops to room temperature. • The leakage rateof this structural is consistent with those observed in the lunar sample encapsulation used in China's Chang'e 5 mission and the sample storage tubes in the Mars 2020 mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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