Evaluation of Coatings and Materials for Future RadiatorsRadiators are used to reject energy from space vehicles through radiant heat transfer. They are typically the largest component in a vehicle's thermal control system and can have a large impact on the vehicle design and operation. NASA s current vision for exploration dictates that radiators for a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), a Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM), and a lunar base will need to be developed. These applications present new challenges when compared to previous radiators on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS). In addition, many technological advances have been made that could positively impact future radiator design. This paper outlines new requirements for future radiators and documents a trade study performed to select the some promising technologies for further evaluation. The technologies include K1100 based carbon composites for the radiator surface as well as Optical Solar Reflectors (OSRs), a lithium based white paint, and electrochromic thin films for optical coatings. Coupons were made using these materials and tests were performed to characterize their performance. Testing included evaluating structural and thermal properties of the carbon composites, thermal cycling, launch pad weather simulation, and exposure to solar wind, and Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Document ID
20080026159
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tuan, George C. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Westheimer, David T. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Birur, Gajanana C. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Beach, Duane E. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Jaworske, Donald A. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Peters, Wanda C. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Triolo, Jack J. (Swales Aerospace United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
July 17, 2006
Subject Category
Fluid Mechanics And Thermodynamics
Report/Patent Number
06ICES-318
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems