ANALYSIS OF SOLAR-RADIATION SHIELDS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF SPACE VEHICLES SUBJECTED TO LARGE CHANGES IN SOLAR ENERGY
Abstract
An analysis was made of a passive temper tur co rol system for a space vehicle subjected to variable solar energy. This system effectively isolates the capsule from the incident solar energy by the use of solar-radiation shields. The desired temperature level of the capsule could then be maintained by a constant internal heat load. The alysis was developed on the basis of diffusely refl cting isoth rm l urfaces and permits evaluation of the temperatures of various shield-capsule configurations. Several shield-capsule configurations were studi d and parameters were established which indicate the important criteria for achieving the desired temperature control. The effects of specularly reflecting (instead of diffusely reflecting) surfaces and the effects of shield thermal conductivity on capsule temperature were also studied. Results from these studies were applied to the single-shield, conical-capsule configuration and it was found that these effects did not significantly alter the magnitude of temperature control achieved. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0272876
Entities
People
- Frank M. Hamaker
- George J. Nothwang
- John C. Arvesen
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration