Heat pipe technology development for high temperature space radiator applications

Conference · Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5961013

Merrigan, M A; Elder, M G; Keddy, E S; Sena, J T

Technology requirements for heat pipe radiators, potentially among the lightest weight systems for space power applications, include flexible elements, and improved specific radiator performance (kg/kW). For these applications a flexible heat pipe capable of continuous operation through an angle of 180/sup 0/ has been demonstrated. The effect of bend angle on the heat pipe temperature distribution is reviewed. An analysis of light weight membrane heat pipe radiators that use surface tension forces for fluid containment has been conducted. The design analysis of these lightweight heat pipes is described and a potential application in heat rejection systems for space nuclear power plants outlined.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
• OSTI ID: 5961013
• Report Number(s): CONF-840804-; TRN: 85-007429
• Journal Information: Proc., Intersoc. Energy Convers. Eng. Conf.; (United States), Vol. 1; Conference: Intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, San Francisco, CA, USA, 19 Aug 1984
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
HEAT PIPES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RADIATORS
FLEXIBILITY
INCLINATION
SPACE POWER REACTORS
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
WEIGHT
HEAT EXCHANGERS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
REACTORS
TENSILE PROPERTIES
TESTING
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
220200* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Components & Accessories
210600 - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable