Ricerc@Sapienza

A new laser-ranged satellite called LARES 2 (Laser Relativity Satellite 2) has been recently designed for accurate tests of Einsten's theory of General Relativity and space geodesy. Some high density alloys (8.6-9.3 g/dm3) have been studied and characterised for producing the LARES 2 passive satellite. The considered materials were Copper and Nickel based alloys that have been produced and characterised. Aim of this work was to analyse their fracture behaviour that is a requirement for materials to be used for space applications.

Fracture toughness and tensile tests have been carried out on a CuCrZr alloy to characterize its fracture behavior since it is considered a possible candidate for the construction of a passive satellite. Based on the satellite design requirements some copper-based alloys have been studied. These alloys are interesting candidates for the satellite construction because of their physical properties, such as high thermal conductivity and density, and because of their mechanical properties, in fact CuCrZr alloy is age hardenable.