Wear lifespan

Every machine is subject to wear, which results in a limited lifetime. There is mechanical wear and wear by radiation. Also, chemical processes inside every material cause changes in the structure, lost of strength, etc.

This page collects data about the wear lifetime of many materials and machines with regard to the Martian environmental conditions and indoor conditions.

Materials

Many synthetic materials become brittle due to decomposition effects, depending on temperature.

material	wear lifespan	comments
silicone	?	under Martian radiation conditions
polyethylene	?	with polymer plasticiser

Objects

Machines, wear parts and all the other things of industrie and agriculture undergo a process of mostly mechanical deterioration. Abrasion and material fatigue can not be avoided completely.

object	wear lifespan	comments
digging machines	?	basalt digging, time before the cutting tool must be replaced
clothes	?	e.g. polyester fleece
space suit	?	for outdoor use

Open issues

• How many m³ of basalt can be processed by digging machines before the cutting tool must be replaced?
• What sort of clothes has a maximum lifespan? How many years can it be worn?
• What is the effect of radiation? We need exact figures, how the Martian conditions influence the usability of certain materials.