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U.S. Department of Energy
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An experiment to investigate Rankine cycle two-phase microgravity issues

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5525082

An experiment is being developed to investigate two-phase flow and heat transfer behavior under the microgravity conditions of space. The experiment is designed to be carried out utilizing the NASA standard Get Away Special (GAS) canister to be flown on a future space shuttle flight. The experiment contains a full two phase flow boiling loop, and will determine the effect of microgravity conditions on nucleate boiling heat transfer and critical heat flux values as well as examine liquid/vapor separation processes. This paper describes the experiment designed to be flown on the shuttle as well as a similar ground test loop presently being operated. In addition, initial data from the ground system is presented. Data taken thus far in upflow show increasing critical heat values with increasing test section velocity and inlet subcooling. 21 refs., 9 figs.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5525082
Report Number(s):
CONF-870102-30; ON: DE88004197
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English