Application of Liquid Crystals in Space Activities

Abstract

Space activities are becoming more and more demanding with respect to development of new materials which should have high thermal stability, low density and ultra high strength. These activities also need thorough inspection of the components used for their different systems whereas these components vary from tiny integrated electronic circuits to big size assembled rocket motors, heat shield etc. Space scientists also want to note the stresses on the space craft structure during its flight. In this article, the recent achievements in the area of material fabrication out of liquid crystal polymers have been briefly mentioned. Nondestructive testing of electronic packages used in space programme by thermal analysis using liquid crystals has been reviewed. Aero-dynamic testing of models of rocket motors in wind tunnel using liquid crystals helps in the evaluation of the drag, shock waves and boundary layer flow of the rocket or aircraft. It assists for studying the discontinuities in adhesively bonded composite structures e.g. heat shield. Applications of side chain liquid crystal polymers for space activities have also been reviewed.