STUDY AND FABRICATION OF SUPERINSULATED SOLID-CRYOGEN COOLER MODEL K5.
Abstract
The performance of superinsulation as affected by gas pressure within the insulation, the quality and quantity of radiation shields, and the insulation density (shields/in.) was studied. In practice, it became necessary to wrap the superinsulation around the coolant container (and accordingly the outer container) within the space limitations imposed by the IR Detector Envelope Drawing. This excess compression degraded the efficiency of the superinsulation resulting in an actual operating life of 15 days with a 29.8-lb solid neon charge instead of the design goal of one month with a 32-lb charge. The efforts in analyzing the heat transport and mechanical considerations relative to detector support devices, and final development thereof, are described. The basis for selecting 0.024-in. dia stainless steel wire, Type 304, for use in supporting coolant container on its frame and 0.01-in. dia titanium alloy (5% aluminum and 2.5% tin) for the detector assembly is established. The principle of the variable-orifice valve used for controlling the vapor pressure over the coolant and, thus, the temperature, is outlined. The various components comprising the operational cooler are described and illustrated and the operational characteristics are discussed. Coating of the interior surface of the coolant container to stop the porous leaks at liquid nitrogen temperatures and placing getter material in the evacuated space between the containers are described. The operational life of the cooler in the 25 K to 30 K region is revealed under three different test conditions. The results of a human factors study relative to the cooler design and operation are detailed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0487618
Entities
People
- Norman Plaks
Organizations
- Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings