NASA - Space Station Research: Turbine Ceramic Manufacturing Module
(Turbine CMM) demonstrates manufacture of single-piece turbine blade/disk combinations (blisks) in microgravity for commercial use. Manufacturing blisks in space could produce parts with lower mass and residual stress and higher strength than those made on Earth due to greatly reduced sedimentation of the solution in microgravity.
SCIENCE RESULTS FOR EVERYONE
The following content was provided by Michael Snyder, and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.
Experiment Description
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
The Turbine Ceramic Manufacturing Module (Turbine CMM) investigates the capability to produce ceramic single-piece turbine blisks in microgravity for commercial use on Earth.
Turbine CMM tests whether flight samples have lower part mass and residual stress and higher strength than units manufactured on the ground.
DESCRIPTION
The Turbine Ceramic Manufacturing Module (Turbine CMM) is a commercial in-space manufacturing device designed to provide proof-of-principle for single-piece ceramic turbine blisk (blade/disk) manufacturing in microgravity for terrestrial use. The Turbine CMM project focuses on advanced materials engineering leading to reductions in part mass, residual stress and fatigue. This project is similar to the Turbine Superalloy Casting Module (Turbine SCM) device also designed by Made In Space.
Applications
SPACE APPLICATIONS
This investigation demonstrates potential use of the space station for unique manufacturing capabilities, contributing to the increased commercialization of space.
EARTH APPLICATIONS
Single-piece turbine blisks have significant advantages over current assemblies used in aircraft jet engines and integrated rotors. Successful production in microgravity may provide additional gains in decreasing the mass and residual stress of these parts and increasing their fatigue strength. This could convey significant advantages to the aviation industry.
Operations
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS
The Turbine CMM is installed in an EXPRESS single locker location. The Turbine CMM has similar space station interfaces and controls as the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) and operates autonomously except for initial activation and parts changeout.