Optimization of a rotating thermally conducting joint and incorporation in a laboratory model deployable radiator

A thermal and mechanical optimization of a thermally conducting joint and an attached heat pipe radiator was performed. A thermal node model was established to calculate different design configurations. The sealing-bearing concept was redesigned to minimize torque. Axially grooved heat pipe profiles were established for the design goal of this deployable radiator model. An engineering model deployable radiator was constructed and submitted to a thermal-vacuum test. Temperature drops from feeder to radiator closely met predictions, but measured torque exceeded expectations but was within an acceptable range for space applications. The heat pipe network comprising the heat pipes of the radiator and those integrated in the rotor profile was not entirely satisfactory. Evaluation of the results of thermal-vacuum test and previous heat pipe tests led to no definite explanation for the problems with some of the radiator heat pipes.