Lifetests of telecommunications satellite heat pipes
Abstract
The life testing of low temperature heat pipes designed for satellite thermal control is discussed. Five stainless steel/ammonia artery heat pipes and four aluminum/ammonia artery heat pipes were operated at elevated temperatures of about 60 C with a heat load of 15 watts for each pipe. In addition, two axially grooved aluminum/ammonia heat pipes operating at 60 C with a heat load of 50 watts, each were tested. Major results obtained from controlled maximum performance tests are compiled. Moreover, the results of some mechanical tests, burst pressure tests, and a post-mortem analysis of one of the aluminum artery heat pipes are included. Life testing of stainless steel heat pipes indicates no signs of deterioration over a period of three years. The aluminum heat pipes develop a steadily increasing amount of non condensible gas. However, life testing of axially grooved aluminum heat pipes show that the small amounts of non condensible gas generated after a period of nearly one year, produce little effect on the heat transport characteristics of these pipes.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- January 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979STIN...8026370M
- Keywords:
-
- Communication Satellites;
- Environment Effects;
- Heat Pipes;
- Life (Durability);
- Accelerated Life Tests;
- Aluminum;
- Ammonia;
- Shock Tests;
- Stainless Steels;
- Temperature Effects;
- Vibration Tests;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles