SELF-PROPAGATING HIGH-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS IN SPACE (SVS), SIX
INVESTIGATIONS
Research Area: Materials Science
Expedition(s): 11, 13, 16, 18, 19- 22
Principal Investigator(s): ● Alexander G. Merzhanov, Institute of Structural
Macrokinetics and Materials of the Russian Academy of
Sciences, Chernogolovka, Moscow region, Russia
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Self-Propagating High Temperature Synthesis in Space (SVS) suite of investigations establish
a mechanism for combustion and structural formation in self-propagating, high-temperature
synthesis systems under conditions of weightlessness. SVS consists of 6 distinct investigations.
SVS-1
Study the effect of weightlessness on the
mechanism of combustion and structural
formation in self-propagating, high-
temperature synthesis systems (powder
mixtures and compressed samples).
SVS-2
Continue studying the effect of
weightlessness on the mechanism of
combustion and structural formation in
self-propagating, high-temperature
synthesis systems (compressed samples
and powder mixtures) and to obtain
materials with a foam structure and
granular frameworks during the
experiment based on new samples.
SVS-3
Obtain porous foam materials and to weld and seal under space conditions.
SVS-4
Study the effect of microgravity on the processes of self-propagating, high-temperature
synthesis welds (weld of 2 layers of titanium foil using an exothermic combustion reaction of a
powder mixture of titanium and carbon black) and the synthesis of porous functional gradient
materials (with porosity or chemical component gradients).
SVS-5
Study the effect of long-term microgravity throughout the processes of self-propagating, high-
temperature synthesis reactions, to create self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis
Crew member performs a session of the Self-Propagating
High Temperature Synthesis in Space investigation on the
International Space Station. Roscosmos image.