Feasibility Study and Development Design of a Passive Radiative Cooler for Infrared Detectors.
Abstract
A thermal analysis and design study of passive radiative infrared detector coolers capable of operating in outer space has been completed. The objective of the program was to study the feasibility of and to develop design techniques for coolers capable of reaching operating temperatures of 138R and below. The spacecraft carrying the detection system was assumed to be orbiting the earth and was exposed to solar and planetary heat fluxes. The cooler rejects heat to the outer space heat sink and provides the proper detector cooling solely by thermal radiation. Thermal analyses were performed on candidate cooler design concepts in three particular earth orbits. Detailed thermal analyses and design of an experimental cryogenic radiator, applicable for use in an earth oriented 200 nautical mile circular orbit in the plane of the ecliptic, were completed. Thermal analyses predict an orbital temperature of 146R for this radiator. Design drawings were generated for fabrication of an experimental cooler model. A test plan for verification of the thermal and structural performance of the experimental model was written. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0871914
Entities
People
- Carl A. Zierman
- Richard H. Hulett
- Robert A. Wiedeman
- Werner F. Schmidt