Transparent ceramics for spacecraft windows

Jonathan A. Salem

doi:10.1117/12.2016453

4 June 2013 Transparent ceramics for spacecraft windows

Jonathan A. Salem

Proceedings Volume 8708, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XIII; 87080A (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2016453
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2013, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

The mechanical properties of several transparent ceramics were investigated to determine if their use might lighten next generation spacecraft windows. The measured fracture toughness and slow crack growth parameters were used as inputs to functions describing the required mass for a desired window life. Transparent magnesium aluminate (spinel, MgAlO₄) and AlON exhibit superior slow crack resistance relative to fused silica, which is the historical material of choice. For spinel, slow crack growth, strength and fracture toughness are significantly influenced by the grain size, and alumina rich phases and porosity at the grain boundaries lead to intergranular fracture in coarse grain spinel. The results imply that transparent ceramics can lighten window panes from a slow crack growth perspective.

Citation Download Citation

Jonathan A. Salem "Transparent ceramics for spacecraft windows", Proc. SPIE 8708, Window and Dome Technologies and Materials XIII, 87080A (4 June 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2016453

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