EI Research

• Finding the most efficiently strong material and structure under extreme conditions

Finding the strongest material and structure capable of withstanding extreme conditions is a critical challenge in engineering and materials science. This quest involves exploring and testing a range of advanced materials, including meta-materials, composites, and ceramics such as carbides and oxides, to determine their resilience under shock and impact, fatigue, high pressure, temperature, and corrosive environments. Understanding the performance of these materials and structures not only advances technological innovation but also ensures safety and reliability in applications ranging from aerospace to deep-sea exploration and beyond. 

• Understanding various physical behavior in terms of impact

Understanding various physical behaviors is the foundation of any research. We approach various physical and engineering problems in terms of impact. For instance, materials may be penetrated or severely damaged by bullet impact. By observing these events with advanced measurement systems such as ultra-high-speed cameras, Photo Doppler Velocimetry, and accelerometers, we can formulate hypotheses and validate them with evidence. Moreover, impacts on very small scales, such as the hypervelocity impact of atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit, can be analyzed using Langmuir probes and piezo-electric systems. Even large-scale impacts, involving asteroids, cars, and planes, can be understood in terms of impact. This unique approach to understanding physical behavior will broaden our knowledge and help to solve physical and practical problems. 

• Developing technologies and facilities to simulate and understand extreme environments

Developing new technologies and facilities to simulate and understand extreme environments is our primary goal. We have constructed a space simulating chamber for testing a manned module and space factory. The high-speed gas gun using hydrogen and oxygen combustion for simulating various impact scenarios. The Artificial Neural Networks was implemented with conventional analysis such as Finite Element Method and mesh-free methods to optimize structure and material under extreme loading conditions. The new technologies and facilities generate always something new.

• Hypervelocity Micro-meteoroid and Orbital Debris(M/OD) of great threat for space industry

Maintaining a near-Earth orbit requires objects in space to achieve hypervelocity. However, the challenge lies in managing the millions of small M/ODs (Micro-Meteoroids and Orbital Debris) under 1 cm, moving at speeds of 7~8 km/s, which are currently untraceable and pose significant safety risks. Detecting hypervelocity impacts remains a practical hurdle yet to be overcome.

The Whipple shield, composed of multiple layers designed to disperse and mitigate impacts from M/ODs at hypervelocity, is effective, reducing areal density by up to 90%. Future advancements in shielding technology are crucial and eminent for enhancing safety in space applications.

Opportunity is here