Integrity of Structural and Thermo-structural Materials for Indian Space Programme

As stakes are very high, a space programme places one of the highest priorities on the integrity of structural materials and Indian space programme is no exception to this. Starting from design of process, an exhaustive series of structural simulations, mechanical and structural tests and inspection-steps at room, elevated and cryogenic temperatures are followed during qualification and acceptance of structural materials for space applications. A continuous effort of space material-scientists is to adopt the emerging advanced destructive and non-destructive testing methods in order to enhance the reliability of structures. In the second phase of Indian space programme, high temperature materials are poised to play increasingly more important role. This in turn, calls upon the scientists to develop a variety of thermo-structural materials based on dispersion strengthened alloys, ceramic matrix composites, intermetallics, ultra high temperature ceramics etc. Keeping pace with these developments, a host of characterization techniques are being evolved and facilities are being established to ensure the thermo-structural integrity of high temperature materials. The paper presents the whole gamut of important structural and thermo-structural materials that are presently in use or under development for the future missions of ISRO. It also includes the testing methodologies being adopted at VSSC/ISRO for qualifying these materials from the structural integrity point of view.