Gluing in space applications is one of the very few areas I would consider myself close to an expert in (assuming I am not at the Peak of Mt. Stupid).
As you say, the number of factors involved is really crazy, especially when it comes to proving the suitability for a new glue. Thankfully there are a relatively small number of generally applicable glues that are used for 90% of situations.
For thos interested, the most commonly used glue in space in Europe is Scotchweld EC2216.
> Gluing in space applications is one of the very few areas I would consider myself close to an expert in (assuming I am not at the Peak of Mt. Stupid).
If you regularly practice the subject in the real world, ie glue stuff to other stuff, you should quickly notice whether your expertise is real?
Imposter syndrome is real. But I think at some point we have to drop our false modesty and admit that we are the authorities on some things, even if our knowledge is still painfully limited.
As you say, the number of factors involved is really crazy, especially when it comes to proving the suitability for a new glue. Thankfully there are a relatively small number of generally applicable glues that are used for 90% of situations.
For thos interested, the most commonly used glue in space in Europe is Scotchweld EC2216.