Development and Verification Experiment of In-Situ Friction Experiment Device for Simulating UV Irradiation in Space

Materials (Basel). 2022 Mar 11;15(6):2063. doi: 10.3390/ma15062063.

Abstract

In order to explore the influence of space ultraviolet radiation on spacecraft lubricating materials, an in-situ friction experimental device simulating space ultraviolet radiation was developed in the laboratory, and the experimental verification was carried out. This paper firstly introduced the design index, structure and working principle of the space ultraviolet irradiation simulation device, and then calibrated and tested the parameters of the whole device, and also conducted a virtual operation of the device's operation effect by simulation software, and the results showed that it met the design index. Finally, the validation tested of the ultraviolet irradiated in-situ friction experimental device were described in detail. By using the device to irradiate the samples, it was found that the in-situ ultraviolet irradiation device could achieve the expected irradiation effect, and the irradiation would lead to changes in the surface structure and properties of the PTFE material, while also achieving the need for in-situ spatial friction property testing of the material, providing favorable conditions for future testing.

Keywords: experimental apparatus; experimental verification; polymer; space; ultraviolet irradiation.