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Atomic Oxygen Effects on Seal LeakageCommon Berthing Mechanism (CBM provides the structural interface between separate International Space Station (ISS) elements, such as the Laboratory and Node modules. The CBM consists of an active and a passive half that join together with structural bolts. The seal at this interface is the CBM-to-CBM molded seal. The CBM-to-CBM interface is assembled on orbit, thus the seals can be exposed to the space environment for up to 65 hours. Atomic Oxygen/Vacuum Ultraviolet radiation (AO/VUV) in space is a potential hazard to the seals. Testing was conducted to determine the effect on leakage of the CBM-to-CBM seal material exposed to AO/VUV. The sealing materials were S383 silicone and V835 fluorocarbon material. Control samples, which were not exposed to the AO/VUV environment, were used to ensure that ff any changes in leakage occurred, they could be attributed to the AO/VUV exposure. After exposure to the AO/VUV environment the leakage increase was dramatic for the fluorocarbon. This testing was a major contributing factor in selecting silicone as the CBM-to-CBM seal material.
Document ID
19990040481
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Christensen, John R.
(Boeing Defense and Space Group Huntsville, AL United States)
Underwood, Steve D.
(Boeing Defense and Space Group Huntsville, AL United States)
Kamenetzky, Rachel R.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Vaughn, Jason A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: 20th Space Simulation Conference: The Changing Testing Paradigm
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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