Novel composites enhance radiation shielding

Governments and businesses invest a tremendous amount of money and time in developing the sophisticated electronics aboard space systems. EU-funded scientists are developing enhanced lightweight shielding to protect those assets.

Space radiation can damage silicon components, putting valuable equipment, mission success and even lives, in the case of manned missions, in jeopardy. To avoid such situations, scientists enclose space electronics in high-strength materials that attenuate radiation. EU-funded researchers are developing novel lightweight composite materials with improved shielding performance within the context of the 'Radiation shielding of composite space enclosures' (SIDER) initiative.

Employing both computer simulations and radiation tests, researchers are investigating two possible routes to improved composites. The first uses nanomaterials and the second incorporates a tungsten (high-density) foil into a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Radiation conditions vary depending on altitude and inclination, so scientists conducted simulations of both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites. Simulation results were in good agreement with experimental data from the first round of radiation tests and demonstrated improved performance of the new composites compared to aluminium.

Partners also developed an analytical modelling tool to estimate radiation doses, the intensity of single ionising events and the internal charge accumulated in the satellite talking into account the properties of the composite materials. Models enabled the evaluation of structural and electrical characteristics of onboard instrumentation within the housing/shield. Scientists have optimised shielding designs and models based on results from the first tests and new instrumentation has been defined in preparation for the second and final round of testing.

SIDER composites with enhanced shielding performance will have major impact on the competitiveness of EU composites manufacturers and the EU space industry. Reducing payload weight significantly reduces fuels costs and thus operating costs, enhancing the capacity to explore and exploit space. Models and simulations to enhance understanding of composite behaviour related to radiation transmission are expected to remove the final obstacle to widespread implementation of composites in space. They will no doubt facilitate solutions in energy, health and related markets as well.

related link: http://cordis.europa.eu/result/brief/rcn/9638_en.html