18
votes
Artificially-created diamond 'windows' for spacecraft
Diamond is very hard, but unfortunately it is also a bit brittle. If an object with enough kinetic energy hits it, the window can shatter completely. This is not an acceptable risk in space. Suitable ...
- 3,241
14
votes
Artificially-created diamond 'windows' for spacecraft
Diamond is good for some things like cutting, but not for things like resisting impacts. It is very hard, and consequently very brittle. Laminating might counteract that weakness, but I doubt it would ...
- 8,902
9
votes
Artificially-created diamond 'windows' for spacecraft
Diamonds isn't particularly resistant to impact, with a fracture toughness of 2 MPam1/2. If you want a resistant and transparent material, you could instead use Yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia (bonus ...
- 294
6
votes
Artificially-created diamond 'windows' for spacecraft
"Windows are structural weaknesses. Geth do not use them." - Legion, Mass effect 2
Why would you need windows anyway? If you want to look outside you can have a sensor outside and a screen ...
- 1,927
4
votes
Artificially-created diamond 'windows' for spacecraft
Synthetic diamond can be used as an armor material. It's no different from AlON, sapphire, or just plain glass in that regard. All armor ceramics are brittle, by their very nature. Diamond isn't ...
- 4,588
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