MP&M Features

MCRF -- A Key Provider of Material Research Data

If you are designing an experiment or flight hardware for space, the Materials, Processes, and manufacturing Department can help you select the best materials to use. The Materials Combustion Research Facility (MCRF) tests materials, parts, and complete assemblies to determine how compatible the components are with the rigorous pressure, oxygen, thermal, and mechanical friction conditions common in the space environment. Materials that might be in contact with liquid oxygen (LOX) -- for example, materials being considered for a liquid oxygen fuel tank – must be tested to determine the conditions under which they will burn or spark or otherwise threaten mission success. Materials that might be in contact with gaseous oxygen (GOX) -- for example, materials for rocket injectors -- or other reactive fluids, such as hydrogen peroxide, must also be tested. Astronaut safety must be assured by restricting materials that give off noxious or poisonous gases or that may promote combustion.

Among the requirements for spacecraft safety and mission success is NASA-STD-6001 (formerly NHB 8060.1), “Flammability, Odor, Off-gassing and Compatibility Requirements & Test Procedures for materials in Environments That Support Combustion”. The Materials Combustion Research Facility is certified to perform many of the tests per NASA-STD-6001 plus other special purpose tests. Test capabilities include:

• Testing of materials and assemblies for toxic offgassed products
• Mechanical impact testing in LOX or GOX in pressures from ambient up to 10,000 psi and temperatures up to 315 °C (600 °F)
• Flammability testing of non-metallic materials at various oxygen concentrations in pressures up to 50 psi
• Flammability testing of metallic materials and composites in GOX in pressures up to 10,000 psi.

Recently added to the MCRF are unique test systems for determining the LOX compatibility of composites and a new facility for thermal vacuum stability analysis.

The Materials, Processes, and Manufacturing Department also maintains the Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS), the only NASA-wide approved database of material properties and NASA-STD-6001 test results. Some materials may be acceptable for use on spacecraft but only in limited quantities, so a material is rated based on the maximum weight allowed for use. MAPTIS can be used to search for materials by product name, manufacturer, material type, or composition. It can be accessed through the materials databases link to the left of this page.

When test requests are received at the MCRF, test conditions and test samples are verified before any preparation or testing may proceed. To guarantee high-quality test samples, test materials can be prepared on-site in a laboratory dedicated to ensuring controlled conditions and accurate information processing. After samples are prepared, they are tested under the conditions listed on the test request. Engineers ensure that all testing is performed in accordance with the NASA standard and that results are accurately and thoroughly documented. When this process is complete, the test results are entered into the MAPTIS database and made available to the international aerospace community. If the results are considered proprietary, however, they are released directly to the test requester and are not distributed further.

For more information about the MCRF and how your specific materials testing needs may be met, contact Jody Terek at 256-544-6817.