Question

During a test conducted in standard laboratory environment, a ceramic silicon nitride (Si3N4) ball slides against a disc of the same material and exhibits low friction and low wear rates. Due to the satisfactory performance, parts were fabricated and used in an actuator on a satellite in space. After launch, the actuator fails rapidly. What do you think happened? What mechanism was, in your opinion, responsible for the failure? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

ANS ;- THE MATERIAL USED WAS CERAMIC SILICON NITRIDE. REASONS FOR THE FAILURE CAN BE

1. WRONG ESTIMATION OF THE VALUES NEEDED TO PERFECT THE STUDY .

2. CLIMATE CONDITIONS WERE NOT TAKEN  PROPERLY IN TO THE ACCOUNT.

3. THE OUTER SPACE CONDITIONS WERE NOT TAKEN IN TO THE ACCOUNT WHILE MAKING THE INSTRUMENT.

4. FINISHING IN THE PRODUCT .

5. SPEED AND FORCE WAS NOT CALCULATED .

6. FRICTION WAS NOT ANALYSED CAUSING PROBLEM FOR THE PROPER FUNCTIONING.