Abstract

LARES (LAser RElativity Satellite) is a passive satellite, it was launched on February 13, 2012 using the new European Space Agency (ESA) launcher VEGA, to measure with high accuracy the effect of the Earth angular momentum on the spacetime geometry that in turn affect the orbital motion of a satellite. This effect is called frame-dragging or Lense-Thirring effect. The reduction of the surface-to-mass ratio is the most important parameter in this respect. A tungsten alloy has been chosen as the best cost effective solution. The LARES 2 mission has been recently proposed aiming at the construction and launch of a second LARES satellite which, in one possible configuration, has a larger diameter and mass. During the LARES manufacturing some issues related to the low fracture toughness of tungsten alloys were evident, the most critical parts being the screws used in the retroreflectors mounting system. The aim of this work, on the basis of all these considerations, is to measure the fracture toughness of this alloy in order to evaluate, in a second stage, feasible thermomechanical treatments that should be able to increase safety margins.

Autore Pugliese

• Ciufolini Ignazio

Tutti gli autori

• Brotzu A. , Felli F. , Pilone D. , Paolozzi A. , Ciufolini I.

Titolo volume/Rivista

PROCEDIA ENGINEERING

Anno di pubblicazione

2015

ISSN

1877-7058

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

1

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile