Advances in Force Field Tailoring for Construction in Space
- Paper number
IAC-05-D1.1.02
- Author
Dr. Sam Wanis, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
- Coauthor
Prof. Narayanan Komerath, Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Purpose: Long-term human habitation in space requires the ability to use extraterrestrial materials to build massive radiation-shielded artificial-gravity stations. We report progress on a mission plan to build a 5-module, 1-G radiation-shielded station at the Earth-Sun L-4 or equivalent location, using Tailored Force Fields (TFF). This work is done under a Phase 2 NIAC grant. Approach: Particles in a potential field experience forces depending on their impedance and interaction with the field. By tailoring field geometry, one can form particles into walls of different shapes. We have used flight and ground tests with acoustics, ultrasonics and optics to develop a common theory that handles different types of fields, media and particles. TFF is thus a flexible, automated, non-contact fabrication technique for shaping objects. This paper will start with the mission aspects, and then discuss details of the technical validation of the TFF concept with different types of fields. Results: In previous work we developed engineering estimates for the solar power needed to construct a 50m dia, 50m long cylinder, 2m thick, from silicon dioxide class rubble using a radio wave resonator. In Phase 2 of this project, we are refining this to the design of various subsystems in this mission. At present we estimate that the construction can be done, using NEO material extracted by robotic plasmajet/laser cutters, with a roughly 3 year mission time. The subsystems are being sized for launch on DeltaIV heavy class vehicles to LEO, and by solar propulsion to L-4. Meanwhile, technology validation is approaching Readiness Level 3. Ground and KC-135 flight experiments with acoustic fields, ultrasonics, optical laser tweezers, and a microwave fields are used to validate the TFF technology. These results, from the PhD thesis work of Sam Wanis, will be summarized in the paper. Detailed force generation mechanisms due to the interaction of electromagnetic and acoustic fields with different particle types is currently being investigated and compared with experimental results. Conclusions: TFF technology has steadily been advanced to the level of single-particle behavior validation in all types of fields, and to wall formation validation in acoustic fields. Mission design has advanced to where it appears that a set of 10 25000 – 50,000kg payloads to LEO will suffice to develop a reusable Space Construction system for the large construction projects of the future. Acknowledgements: The authors acknowledge the support from the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts and USRA through Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects, and the support of author Wanis’ dissertation research through a NASA Graduate Student Researcher grant.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-D1.1.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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