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Bachelor's Thesis
Author of thesis: Mark Gerken
Acad. year: 2025/2026
Supervisor: Ing. Tomáš Katrňák
Reviewer: Ing. Jaroslav Bartoněk, Ph.D.
This bachelor’s thesis investigates the effects of the space environment on composite materials utilized in the construction of spacecraft, with a specific focus on Low Earth Orbit conditions. The objective is to synthesize and analyze knowledge regarding the behavior of advanced composites in challenging space environments, based on a comprehensive literature review of NASA technical reports and academic sources. The text provides a detailed analysis of key degradation factors, primarily atomic oxygen erosion, vacuum outgassing, micrometeoroid impacts, and intensive thermal cycling. The thesis examines the mechanisms of change in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elastic moduli, and flexural strength as well as physical parameters, including coefficients of thermal expansion and moisture expansion. A practical application of prediction nomograms for estimating material loss is demonstrated using the T1100G composite. The final output is a synthesis of design recommendations, protective coating selections, and technological preparation strategies for laminates, serving as a guide for optimal material selection for long-term space missions.
composite materials, space environment, Low Earth Orbit, atomic oxygen erosion, thermal cycling, outgassing, mechanical properties, dimensional stability
Date of defence
10.06.2026
Result of the defence
Defended (thesis was successfully defended)
Grading
B
Process of defence
Študent prezentoval výsledky svojej bakalárskej práce komisii. Nasledovali otázky oponenta. Študent odpovedal na prvú otázku oponenta samostatne ku spokojnosti komisie. Študent odpovedal na druhú otázku oponenta samostatne ku spokojnosti komisie. Prvá otázka komisie k práci bola zameraná na tvorenie vlastných záverov v BP. Študent objasnil otázku komisie. Druhá otázka komisie k práci bola zameraná na riešenie únavy a životnosti materiálu. Študent odpovedal na otázku z časti samostatne, z časti s pomocou. Tretia otázka komisie k práci bola zameraná na graf (strana 24). Študent odpovedal na otázku samostatne ku spokojnosti komisie. Štvrtá otázka komisie k práci bola zameraná na vplyv odplyňovania. Študent odpovedal na otázku samostatne ku spokojnosti komisie. Následne sa prešlo na všeobecnú rozpravu.
Language of thesis
Czech
Faculty
Fakulta strojního inženýrství
Department
Institute of Aerospace Engineering
Study programme
Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering (B-ZSI-P)
Specialization
Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering (STI)
Composition of Committee
Ing. Jan Navrátil, Ph.D. (místopředseda) Ing. Lukáš Dubnický, Ph.D. (člen) doc. Ing. Ivo Jebáček, Ph.D. (předseda) Ing. František Vaněk, Ph.D. (člen) Ing. Tomáš Katrňák (člen) Ing. Miroslav Červenka, Ph.D. (člen)
Supervisor’s reportIng. Tomáš Katrňák
Grade proposed by supervisor: A
Reviewer’s reportIng. Jaroslav Bartoněk, Ph.D.
Grade proposed by reviewer: B
Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová