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One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

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Re: One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

#13
post #2

Materials aging in space is a pretty deep subject. That it is the Russian Zvevda module that is leaking/cracking is likely related to the fact that it is also the oldest module in the ISS. The ISS is/was scheduled to be retired in 2024 (aka 3 years from now) but there are calls to keep it going. My fantasy would be to have SpaceX move it into the Lunar L1 Lagrange point which would keep it in use but it would have to…

> That it is the Russian Zvevda module that is leaking/cracking is likely related to the fact that it is also the oldest module in the ISS. Definitely sounds like it. They can't identify the leak on the inside so it doesn't sound like a micrometeoroid impact and they suspect a second leak that is so small they need a microscope to verify: > "So far, we have found one place and suspect another, where as some kind of l…

Is it possible it could also be from constant heating and cooling cycles as it orbits?

Re: One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

#15
post #2

Materials aging in space is a pretty deep subject. That it is the Russian Zvevda module that is leaking/cracking is likely related to the fact that it is also the oldest module in the ISS. The ISS is/was scheduled to be retired in 2024 (aka 3 years from now) but there are calls to keep it going. My fantasy would be to have SpaceX move it into the Lunar L1 Lagrange point which would keep it in use but it would have to…

I realize their orbit is relatively clear of debris and micro meteors, but is this materials decomposing or degrading and not random damage and happenstance? The ISS has no doubt been important and I remember how excited I was when it was being assembled. Is it really so historically significant it's worth the amount of effort you're describing?

Hull is definitely not decomposing or degrading. If left in peace at sufficiently high altitude it would look the same in a million years.

My bet is the issue is most likely stresses due to vibrations under pressure and pressure changes. It is complex but also well known problem. As the astro/kosmonauts move about the station, resupply dock, pressure changes, etc. some parts are being subject to constantly changing stresses while already being stressed due to pressure.

It might also be possible that there are some additional thermal stresses but I think it is less likely these are source of the problem.

Re: One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

#17
post #2

Materials aging in space is a pretty deep subject. That it is the Russian Zvevda module that is leaking/cracking is likely related to the fact that it is also the oldest module in the ISS. The ISS is/was scheduled to be retired in 2024 (aka 3 years from now) but there are calls to keep it going. My fantasy would be to have SpaceX move it into the Lunar L1 Lagrange point which would keep it in use but it would have to…

> That it is the Russian Zvevda module that is leaking/cracking is likely related to the fact that it is also the oldest module in the ISS. Definitely sounds like it. They can't identify the leak on the inside so it doesn't sound like a micrometeoroid impact and they suspect a second leak that is so small they need a microscope to verify: > "So far, we have found one place and suspect another, where as some kind of l…

It completes a cycle of heating and cooling every 90 minutes as it orbits. The temperature differential between sunlit/shaded is quite large, so even though it certainly does not heat to +120C / cool down to -100 C as there is just not enough time, it would still put some stress on it.

Re: One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

#18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> That it is the Russian Zvevda module that is leaking/cracking is likely related to the fact that it is also the oldest module in the ISS. Definitely sounds like it. They can't identify the leak on the inside so it doesn't sound like a micrometeoroid impact and they suspect a second leak that is so small they need a microscope to verify: > "So far, we have found one place and suspect another, where as some kind of l…

Is it possible it could also be from constant heating and cooling cycles as it orbits?

[deleted]

Re: One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

#19
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Cracks are a common sign of metal fatigue, which can be caused by repeated stress cycles. Imagine bending a piece of plastic back and forth until it snaps.

Especially for "cold butter" metals like aluminum and copper.

I’ve never heard that phrase used in this content before. How does “cold butter” apply to these metals?

Re: One hull crack located in ISS, another one suspected

#20
post #19
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Especially for "cold butter" metals like aluminum and copper.

I’ve never heard that phrase used in this content before. How does “cold butter” apply to these metals?

I think it refers to the type of break the joint makes?

However, while searching I found this search excerpt:

    Which metals diffuse into other metals and how? | Naked ...
    www.thenakedscientists.com › forum
        Sodium and potassium metal (both *soft solids, like cold butter*) react
So perhaps it is used to designate 'soft solids' versus 'hard solids'
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