The Study and Application of Carbon Nanotube Film Heaters for Space Applications

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the feasibility of using Carbon Nanotube (CNT) sheets as thin film heaters for space applications. Battery heaters are the focus of this research. CNT sheets have many beneficial properties and show potential in replacing the etched foil heater currently being used. In this study test specimens were created by forming laminate test articles comprised of CNT sheets and an adhesive Kapton substrate material. These test articles were subjected to a series of tests both in atmosphere and in vacuum. It was found that while the CNT articles were not as power efficient as the etched foil design, in the configurations tested, they offered a much higher maximum temperature with the available on-board power, a faster response time, and mitigated the potential for total heater failure. In conclusion, CNT thin film heaters proved to be a viable alternative to current battery heater technology.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 22, 2018
Accession Number
AD1056621

Entities

People

  • Christopher C. Rocker

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Chemical Vapor Deposition
  • Diagrams
  • Dielectrics
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Fabrication
  • Films
  • Fullerenes
  • Heat Sinks
  • Laminates
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Measurement
  • Power Supplies
  • Printed Circuits
  • Spacecraft
  • Thin Films
  • United States Government

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Surface Coatings Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space