Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

SME INITIATIVE COURSE

MATERIALS

Materials and Processes Division

Estec

Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

THESE HANDOUTS ARE RELEASED FOR GENERAL INSTRUCTION ONLY.

THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO TAKE ANY PRECEDENCE OVER APPLICABLE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS AND DEFINITIONS.

Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

Course Content

1. The requirements related to materials, mechanical parts and processes (PMP) with reference to the ESA PSS and ECSS specifications

2. Documentation requirements

3. Material properties requirements and associated test methods for non-metallic materials

4. Cleanliness and contamination control

5. Material properties requirements, critical processes and associated test methods for metallic materials

6. Flammability and toxicity control

7. Visit to the laboratories of the Material and Processes Division

Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

Course Tutors

Sessions 1,2,5: Ton de Rooij, Head Materials, Mechanics and Processes Section (Code TOS-QMM)Tel: (31)71-5653716, fax: (31)71-5654992, email:ton.de.rooij@esa.int

Session 3,4: Jaco Guyt, Materials Physics and Chemistry Section (Code TOS-QMC)

Tel: (31)71-5653893, fax: (31)71-5654992, email:jaco.guyt@esa.int

Session 6: John Meehan, MSM-GPTel: (31)71-5655178email:John.Meehan@esa.int

Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

Introduction

One question frequently asked is “Why does ESA not have a preferred materials list whereas such a list does exist for electronic components?”The reason for this is best summarised by the relationship:

Environment

Material + Process Application

In other words a material can only be considered together with the associated process and the final application. To complicate matters further the effects of the environment (manned or unmanned, LEO or GEO etc.) have to be considered since these can significantly affect the suitability of the application

Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

Example 1

For example:

Solithane 113 + Process PCB Conformal Coating

(Polyurethane) (24 hr 65 °C)

This combination is widely used in spacecraft application.

However for manned space applications this cannot be used since solithane, in common with most polyurethanes, is flammable

Materials and Processes DivisionESA/ESTEC/TOS-QM

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SME Initiative

Example 2

Sylgard 184 + Process PCB Conformal Coating

(Silicone) (RT cure)

This combination is used for manned space applications.

However for applications exposed to space vacuum this cannot be used since sylgard does not meet the outgassing requirements.

Materials are therefore approved in conjunction with the associated process, the application and the associated environment.

In other words, approval is granted per project.