ESA Open Invitation To Tender AO8256
Open Date: 13/05/2015
Closing Date: 24/06/2015

Status: ISSUED
Reference Nr.: 15.1QM.03
Prog. Ref.: TRP
Budget Ref.: E/0901-01 – TRP
Special Prov.: B+DK+F+D+I+NL+E+S+CH+GB+IRL+A+N+FIN+POR+GR+LUX+CZ+RO+PL
Tender Type: C
Price Range: 200-500 KEURO
Establishment: ESTEC
Directorate: Directorate of Technical & Quality Manag
Department: Product Assurance and Safety Department
Division: Materials & Components Technology Divisi
Contract Officer: Wesolowski, Szymon
Last Update Date: 13/05/2015
Update Reason: Tender issue

To develop and evaluate the performance of solid-state joining techniques for space applications involving metallic to non-metallicmaterials joints. Within the last decade there has been many advances in the development of high performance materials which can beused for space applications. These include metallic materials such as new lightweight Al-Li based alloys, Titanium alloys such as 15-3-3-3, metal matrix composites such as TiSIC, and non-metallic CFRP structures. As these materials become available for space applications, the assembly of these and other advanced materials must be addressed. This can become a challenge when the materials of choice are not easily weldable or bondable by traditional techniques, or when the service temperature range generates CTE issues. Recently, solid-state joining techniques such as Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW) have been developed which have overcome many of the challenges associated with traditional welding techniques such as TIG, MIG, Laser or Electron Beam welding. However, their applicability to join new advanced materials has not yet been fully assessed. – Task 1: A wide ranging literature review, including trade studies, shall be performed to identify the most promising solid state welding techniques, and those advancedmaterial combinations which are best suited to the space industry. Possible applications already identified include: Friction Stir Welding of TiSIC type materials (and possibly AlSI, Friction Stir Welding of advanced aluminium aerospace alloys, Magnetic Pulse Welding to bond Ti6Al4V caps to RMT carbon tubs, Bonding a ceramic tube (Si3N4) to an INVAR nozzl, Magnetic Pulse Welding of SiC to INVAR. – Task 2: At the end of task 1, a down-selection shall be performed, and the 2 most promising applications examined in more detail, including all relevant information related to mechanical, CTE mismatch, joining geometries, etc. – Task 3: A welding programme shall be initiated and performed and the joints manufactured shall be submitted to a mechanical as well as Stress-corrosion test program. Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go toEMITS news “Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes”.

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