Materials used in the construction of spacecraft are evaluated for compatibility with oxidizers, propellants, and other hazardous fluids such as
- Aerozine 50,
- AF-M315E,
- Ammonia,
- Gaseous Oxygen (GOX),
- Hydrazine,
- Hydrogen Peroxide,
- Liquid Methane,
- Liquid Oxygen (LOX),
- Monomethylhydrazine (MMH),
- Nitrous Oxide,
- Nitrogen Tetroxide and mixed oxides of nitrogen,(MON-3 and others), and
- Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine.
Our team tests materials individually or in intended use environments and material configurations. We determine the effects of incidental and long-term exposure to reactive fluids and the constituents these fluids decompose into. Analysis of the test data identifies changes that degrade either the material or the fluid or produce a reaction, which could cause pressure increases possibly resulting in an explosion.
The test results assist in selecting materials, components, and systems for use in space and the development of control measures to mitigate issues with reactive fluid contact. Additional compatibility testing with propellants and aerospace fluids and oxygen systems can further assist in the selection process.