Microtube array space radiator
US5267605A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/12875
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The MTS radiator consists of planar arrays of micro-tube strip modules, each of which contain two or three rows of about 200 properly spaced microtubes per row. The three-dimensional tubular titanium structure with support members between microtubes maximizes stiffness and strength per mass. The working fluid--typically hydrogen at 0.1 to 1 MPa--circulates through the microtubes, and most of the radiation occurs from their walls, which are only 0.2 to 0.4 mm thick. This allows specific mass below 1 kg/m.sup.2. The operating temperature range is typically 200-650 K. The radiator's radiating surface comprises a heavily oxidized, metal alloy with a corrosion resistant, refractory alloy film deposited on it.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.