A theoretical investigation of gas conduction effects on multilayer insulation performance

The thermal performance of multilayer insulation hlankets depends on three (interacting) modes of energy transfer: radiation between the radiation shields, gas conduction in the residual interstitial gas and solid conduction via the contacting interfaces. The contribution of the gas conduction depends on the interstitial gas and its pressure,...

Uniaxial model for gas-loaded variable conductance heat pipe performance : the effects of vapour flow friction and inertia

Limitations in variable conductance heat pipe performance and control predicted by the current steady-state model developed at NLR

A uniaxial model for the transient performance of gas-loaded variable conductance heat pipes is being developed, partly under contract with the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programs NIVR. The model has to be easily implementable in existing spacecraft thermal analyzer computer programs. So far, a steady-state version of the model is...

Considerations concerning a thermal joint for a deployable or steerable battery radiator for the Columbus Polar Platform

Different concepts for a moveable thermal joint are described and discussed with respect to the applicability in a dedicated deployable or steerable heat pipe radiator system to handle the waste heat of the NiH batteries of the Polar Platform. Concepts which are identified as possible candidates for near-term deployable radiator development are:...