Structural Materials

Structural materials are materials that are used to construct the physical components of spacecraft and launch vehicles. These materials must be able to withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum. They must also be lightweight and strong, as every extra pound of weight requires more fuel to launch. Common structural materials used in space and astronautical engineering include metals such as aluminum and titanium, composites such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers, and ceramics such as silicon carbide. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the desired properties, such as strength, stiffness, thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion and fatigue.
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