Theoretical investigation of the basic thermal performance of multilayer insulation blankets

Theoretical investigation of the basic thermal performance of multilayer insulation blankets

Delil, A.A.M.
Heemskerk, J.F.

National Aerospace Laboratory NLR

1975-05-01

The thermal performance of evacuated multilayer insulation blankets depends on three modes of energy transfer: radiation between the radiation shields, gas conduction m the residual interstitial gas and solid conduction via the contacting interfaces. The importance of the contributions of the three heat transfer modes depends on many parameters such as dimensions, boundary temperatures, shield emissivities', absorption, emission and scattering coefficients of the medium between the radiation shields, interstitial gas pressure, compressive load and the thermal conductivities of the blanket components, interfaces and disturbances. This report presents a mathematical approximation of these blankets. The governing equations describing the heat transfer process in geometrically undisturbed blankets are derived from the supporting basic theory. This basic theory is elucidated extensively. The most important parameters and blanket material properties are discussed. Their influences on the thermal performance of blankets are calculated. The results were in fair agreement with the scarce experimental data obtained from literature, but the need for more experimental data should be stressed.

Heat transfer
Multilayer insulation
Thermal performance
Spacecraft shielding
Heat transfer coefficient
Mathematical models

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:73c34d13-c71a-4ae3-9b19-872b212acdf0

Nationaal Lucht- en Ruimtevaartlaboratorium

Campus only

NLR-TR 75063 U

Aerospace Engineering Reports

report

(c)1975 National Aerospace Laboratory NLR