Stability of a liquid-film space radiator with internal electrostatic fields
A new concept in light-weight space radiators has been introduced by Kim, Miksis and Bankoff, consisting of a pumped-loop membrane radiator in which leakage of coolant from a puncture, due to micrometeorite or space debris impact, is prevented by the application of an internal electrostatic field. For nuclear space power, the coolant is generally a liquid metal, such as lithium, flowing as a thin film along the interior walls of the hollow radiator. A lightweight fully-modular radiator design is proposed, which is calculated to weight less than 1 kg/m{sup 2}. The feature which makes this thin-membrane radiator practical is the internal electrostatic field system, which can stop radiator leaks from punctures, sudden accelerations or accidental tears.
- Research Organization:
- Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-89ER12894
- OSTI ID:
- 5661426
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/12894-3; ON: DE92013402
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
LIQUID METAL COOLED REACTORS
RADIATORS
DESIGN
ELECTRIC FIELDS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDRAULICS
LEAKS
LITHIUM
PROGRESS REPORT
RELIABILITY
SPACE POWER REACTORS
THIN FILMS
ALKALI METALS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FILMS
FLUID MECHANICS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
MECHANICS
METALS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
REACTORS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
210600* - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable