Space environment adaptability evaluation of a zirconium-base alloy

Space environment adaptability of a zirconium-base alloy expected to make moving parts of spacecraft has been evaluated by simulation methods, mechanical testing and advanced analysis techniques. It is showed that the alloy exhibits excellent tensile properties at room temperature or cryogenic temperature, low friction coefficients under both the conditions of in air at room temperature, in vacuum at room temperature and in vacuum at cryogenic temperature (10-4Pa, -60°C), lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and lower storage modulus than steel at temperature ranging from -120°C to +150°C. It is also revealed that the alloy display favorable resistance to lower energy (<200 keV) charged particles irradiation and atomic oxygen erosion. No remarkable mechanical property degradation was detected after long term exposure of the alloy to charged particles or atomic oxygen.