Space Materials Laboratory (Ayaka Takahashi Laboratory)
Space Materials Laboratory (Ayaka Takahashi Laboratory)

Since spacecraft cannot be maintained after launch, it is necessary to design a mechanism to prevent the occurrence of defects and failures. In the earth's orbit, it is necessary to take measures against the space environment such as high vacuum, but in planetary exploration and deep space exploration, each may be exposed to special environmental conditions. Even if a defect occurs under severe space environment conditions, it cannot be repaired, so it is necessary to guarantee the reliability of the equipment before launch. There are parts that are lubricated to improve the reliability and life of the drive unit and suppress the occurrence of defects, and this laboratory is conducting research on lubricants specialized for use in space.

Basic Information

Faculty name/Affiliation Ayaka Takahashi / Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Faculty of Science and Engineering and Engineering
Specialized Fields Tribology, sulfide
Research theme Solid Lubricant for Space
Research keywords Tribology, sulfide, vacuum, high temperature
Faculty introduction URL https://www3.med.teikyo-u.ac.jp/profile/ja.181bdff3383abff9.html

Our Research

Design, manufacture, and flight test of flexible structure space aircraft (Mars aircraft)

Solid lubricant for high temperature space
The lubricant chosen can affect the life of the spacecraft. In addition, the economic loss due to a single failure is a non-negligible level in a spacecraft that requires enormous cost for development, and research and development of lubricants related to the reliability of the spacecraft are in an extremely important position. Molybdenum disulfide has been put into practical use as a solid lubricant for space, but the friction and wear characteristics of tungsten disulfide having the same crystal structure are evaluated in the space environment to explore the possibility as a solid lubricant for high temperature. To do. We will analyze using XRD and SEM to elucidate the mechanism of superlubricity.

Conference presentation

Title Society name Laboratory Contents
Tribological test of tungsten disulfide solid lubrication exposed to simulated space environment STLE annual meeting Space Materials Laboratory detail