Materials Sciences, Processes, and Engineering

Qualis provides a wide range of materials engineering, test, and operations services in support of the US Space Program. Qualis support includes:

• Analysis of the mechanical properties of aerospace materials (both metallic and composite) for use in the Ares launch vehicles
• Analysis of space flight materials in oxygen-enriched,
  pressurized, frictional environments
• Identification and qualification of volatile offgassed products from candidate space flight materials/flight hardware assemblies
• Environmental Test Facility operation, including guidance for operation of thermal vacuum and bakeout test systems
  Joining and fastening process development for the production of the Ares launch vehicles, including the characterization and refinement of the friction stir welding process
• Support to the Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS), a database that documents all candidate materials for space flight hardware and identifies usability and safety issues
• Using a variety of tools for comprehensive failure analysis to examine the fracture surface of damaged items. The tools and techniques include:

• Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA)
• Magnetic sector secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS)
• Scanning electron microscopy
• Field emission scanning electron microscopy 
• Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM)
• Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)
• Stereo microscopy (specialized optical microscopy that takes 3-D photographs)

• Performing all studies and testing in compliance with MIL-STDs, ASME, ASTM, and other applicable standards

Qualis supported several materials test laboratories, including the Materials Combustion Research Facility.