The ability to simulate and investigate the systems and processes associated with the formation of particles would present an exciting opportunity to answer scientific questions concerning the life and death of stars, the formation of the solar system, and the connection between the solar system's evolution and the appearance of life. Simulation will require the use of microgravity furnaces that can be used either on KC 135 runs or in the space station. Since these furnaces have to be lightweight and heated to high temperatures, joints for these furnaces will need to be strong and capable of withstanding the repeated thermal cycling. Aluminum oxide-to-graphite joints are desired in many applications involving insulators and specifically in high temperature furnaces to be used in the gas grain simulation facility. The proposed Phase I effort will focus on the formation of high-temperature (>1000°C) joints between aluminum oxide and graphite that are necessary to provide reliable electrical and thermal performance.
