Heat pipe radiators for space
Abstract
An optimized flight-weight prototype fluid-header panel (heatpipe radiator system) was tested in a vacuum environment over a wide range of coolant inlet temperatures, coolant flow rates, and environmental absorbed heat fluxes. The maximum performance of the system was determined. Results are compared with earlier data obtained on a smaller fluid-header feasibility panel, and computer predictions. Freeze-thaw tests are described and the change in thaw recovery time due to the addition of a low-freezing point feeder heat pipe is evaluated. Experimental panel fin-temperature distributions are compared with calculated results.
- Publication:
-
Annual Report Tuskegee Inst
- Pub Date:
- September 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977tusk.rept.....S
- Keywords:
-
- Heat Pipes;
- Spacecraft Radiators;
- Systems Engineering;
- Vacuum Tests;
- Coolants;
- Freon;
- Graphs (Charts);
- Heat Exchangers;
- Rare Gases;
- Working Fluids;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer