[HEROES]
High Entropy Rare-Earth Optimization for Environmental Barrier Coatings

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

• Understanding the thermal properties of materials in their molten state helps engineers set precise spray coating and mixing conditions to create stronger, more uniform protective coatings for aircraft engines.
• These coating materials melt at extremely high temperatures and can react with test containers and introduce impurities. This makes accurate measurements of molten state properties impossible on Earth.
• The space environment allows materials to float freely in their molten state without containers interfering, providing clean and accurate thermal property data that cannot be obtained in laboratories on Earth.
• The High Entropy Rare-Earth Optimization for Environmental Barrier Coatings (HEROES) investigation provides researchers with data on materials in their molten state to help in the development of longer-lasting, heat-resistant aircraft coatings that can reduce maintenance costs and improve flight safety by preventing coating failures.

SPACE APPLICATIONS

This research could support development of advanced coatings that provide thermal and environmental barriers to protect spacecraft and engine parts from the extreme heat and other harsh conditions in space.

EARTH APPLICATIONS

Results from this investigation could be key to improving the design of heat-resistant coatings for engines, turbines, and other high-temperature systems on Earth.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROTOCOLS

The Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) instrument is assembled and installed in the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR/MSPR2) in Kibo. After setup, the investigation is operated from ground control as required by investigators at the Space Station Integration and Promotion Center (SSIPC), Tsukuba Space Center. The investigation procedure is as follows.

A crew member prepares the investigation by inserting the Sample Holder into the Sample Cartridge, and inserting the Sample Cartridge into the ELF chamber. The ELF is then activated and configured for operation.

To begin investigation operations, the sample is released into Experiment Volume by the Sample Release Rod. The Sample is charged, position controlled, heated, and melted using electrodes and Power Lasers. During operations, the sample is measured through sensors and cameras.

At the completion of investigation operations, recorded video, imagery, and data are downlinked to Earth.

The investigation is closed out by the deactivation of ELF.

OKAWA Ayahisa [Tohoku University]