MATERIALS TESTING IN-SPACE

We present the results of joint investigations of the Institute of Sci ence of Machines of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Samarskii Stat e Aerospace University in the development of techniques and equipment for testing the mechanical properties of structural materials of space vehicles under conditions of orbital flight. For operation in outer s pace, special containers and corresponding on-board test systems have been designed for uniaxial tension of specimens, fatigue tests, invest igation of tribometric characteristics of friction pairs, and testing of coatings. Various measuring modules, control units, and units for i nformation recording and storage have been developed. All equipment un its were subjected to multiple approbation in space on board a ''Resur s-F'' type spaceships. The proposed methods for testing in space are r egarded as checking ones. They should be complemented by laboratory in vestigations with simulation of the damaging factors existing in outer space. Unique equipment has also been designed for laboratory experim ents, which makes it possible, in particular, to carry out the tests u nder simultaneous action of vacuum and heating (or cooling).