Development of artery heat pipes in Europe under ESA sponsorship
Abstract
The program on development of lightweight artery designs suitable for use in space radiators is briefly described. The program includes heat pipe development, flight qualification, flight tests, life testing, and degradation studies. The use of both acetone and ammonia as working fluids was investigated. It is concluded that investigations into deterioration in acetone and aluminum heat pipes have cast doubt on the long term compatibility of these materials and emphasized the need to exclude all traces of water from the system; persistent gas generation has been experienced in ammonia heat pipes constructed of aluminum with stainless steel wicks; pipes made of one metal only have proved more resistant; no deterioration has been observed in the stainless steel pipes, and small amount of gas has appeared in the aluminum ones.
- Publication:
-
Heat Pipes
- Pub Date:
- 1976
- Bibcode:
- 1976hepi.rept..373S
- Keywords:
-
- Arteries;
- European Space Programs;
- Heat Pipes;
- Acetone;
- Ammonia;
- Construction Materials;
- Design Analysis;
- Research And Development;
- Spacecraft Radiators;
- Wicks;
- Working Fluids;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer