Feasibility of remotely manipulated welding in space: A step in the development of novel joining technologies

A six month research program entitled Feasibility of Remotely Manipulated Welding in Space - A Step in the Development of Novel Joining Technologies is performed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the Office of Space Science and Applications, NASA, under Contract No. NASW-3740. The work is performed as a part of the Innovative Utilization of the Space Station Program. The final report from M.I.T. was issued in September 1983. This paper presents a summary of the work performed under this contract. The objective of this research program is to initiate research for the development of packaged, remotely controlled welding systems for space construction and repair. The research effort includes the following tasks: (1) identification of probable joining tasks in space; (2) identification of required levels of automation in space welding tasks; (3) development of novel space welding concepts; (4) development of recommended future studies; and (5) preparation of the final report

Feasibility of remotely manipulated welding in space. A step in the development of novel joining technologies

In order to establish permanent human presence in space technologies of constructing and repairing space stations and other space structures must be developed. Most construction jobs are performed on earth and the fabricated modules will then be delivered to space by the Space Shuttle. Only limited final assembly jobs, which are primarily mechanical fastening, will be performed on site in space. Such fabrication plans, however, limit the designs of these structures, because each module must fit inside the transport vehicle and must withstand launching stresses which are considerably high. Large-scale utilization of space necessitates more extensive construction work on site. Furthermore, continuous operations of space stations and other structures require maintenance and repairs of structural components as well as of tools and equipment on these space structures. Metal joining technologies, and especially high-quality welding, in space need developing

Prediction of Welding Distortion A two-step numerical analysis technique was developed to predict welding- induced distortion and the structural integrity of large and complex structures

ABSTRACT. This paper presents a numerical analysis technique for predicting welding-induced distortion. The technique combines two-dimensional welding simulations with three-dimensional structural analyses in a decoupled approach. The numerical technique is particularized on evaluating welding-induced buckling. The numerical predictions can be utilized either as a design evaluation or manufacturing analysis tool. As a design tool, the effect of the welding procedures can be determined and incorporated into the evaluation and optimization of the design configurations. As a manufacturing analysis tool, for a fixed design, different welding processes and procedures can be evaluated to minimize welding distortion. Experimental results obtained from smalland large-scale mock-up panels verify the numerical modeling approach