2025 NASA EPSCoR Research Awardee

Advancing Manufacturing of Multi-Material Composite Structures for Space Applications Via Ultrasonic Welding

Genevieve Palardy | LSU Department of Mechanical Engineering

Space exploration and establishing a sustained human presence require large structures, such as launch systems, spacecraft, orbital habitats, and lunar stations. This project aims to advance space exploration by developing an innovative method for rapidly assembling lightweight, multi-material structures using ultrasonic welding (USW). This technology would enable structures to be repaired or reconfigured on-site, enhancing flexibility in space missions. NASA is interested in weldable, recyclable lightweight composite materials to reduce overall weight and costs, promote sustainability, and facilitate manufacturing via USW. To better understand bonding compatibility and design vitrimer formulations suitable for USW, this project will combine computational simulations, machine learning, and experimental approaches.
The proposed research aligns with the Science Mission Directorate and Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Strategic Framework for material science, composite materials research, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Dr. Palardy’s work led to her selection as Louisiana’s submission for the
FY2025 NASA Basic Research Opportunity and was selected for funding. Her work was previously supported under the RAP Program.