NASA's investment in a breakthrough superalloy developed for the extreme temperatures and harsh conditions of air and spaceflight is on the verge of commercial return.
The agency has licensed the invention, called GRX-810, to four U.S. companies, a move that benefits the U.S. economy as a return on taxpayer investment.
GRX-810 is a 3D-printable high-temperature material that enables stronger, more durable airplane and spacecraft parts that can withstand additional impacts before reaching breaking point.
The joint exclusive license agreement will allow the two companies to manufacture and sell the GRX-810 to aircraft and rocket equipment manufacturers as well as to the entire supply chain.
The four joint exclusive licensees are:
- Carpenter Technology Corporation, Reading, Pennsylvania.
- Elementum 3D, Inc. (Erie, Colorado)
- Linde Advanced Materials Technologies, Inc., Indianapolis
- Powder Alloy Corporation of Loveland, Ohio;
GRX-810 is one example of many new technologies being reviewed by NASA's technology transfer program managers and applying for patent protection. The team is also looking for partners interested in working with the inventors to commercialize it.
“NASA invests tax dollars in research that directly benefits the United States and transfers that technology to industry by licensing patents,” said Amy Hiltavidel, licensing manager at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “There is,” he said.
A new approach to materials development
NASA engineers designed the GRX-810 for aerospace applications such as liquid rocket engine injectors, combustors, turbines, and hot-section components that can withstand temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
“GRX-810 represents a new alloy design space and manufacturing technique that was not possible just a few years ago,” said Dr. Tim Smith, materials researcher at NASA Glenn.
Smith, along with Glenn colleague Christopher Kantzos, invented the superalloy using a time-saving computer modeling and laser 3D printing process that fuses the metal layer by layer. Tiny particles containing oxygen atoms are spread throughout the alloy, increasing its strength.
Impact and benefits
Compared to other nickel-based alloys, GRX-810 can withstand high temperatures and stress and last up to 2,500 times longer. Additionally, the bendability before failure was improved by about 4 times, and the resistance to oxidative damage was improved by about 2 times.
“Adoption of this alloy will lead to more sustainable aviation and space exploration,” said Dale Hopkins, deputy project manager for NASA's Transformational Tools and Technology Project. “This is because jet engine and rocket components made with GRX-810 extend their lifespan and reduce operating costs by improving overall fuel efficiency.”
The research and development team includes teams from Glenn, NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California, The Ohio State University, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the latest tests included 3D Included were printed rocket engine parts.
NASA develops many technologies to solve space exploration challenges, deepen our understanding of our home planet, and improve air transportation. Through patent licensing and other mechanisms, NASA has spun off more than 2,000 technologies to help companies develop products and solutions that support the American economy.