Project Title:
Material with Exceptional Properties for Extravehicular Thermal Management
12.11-1622
911365
Material with Exceptional Properties for Extravehicular Thermal Management
Rasor Associates, Inc.
253 Humboldt Court
Sunnyvale
CA
94089
Jean-Louis
Desplat
408-734-1622
ARC
NAS2-13506
257
12.11-1622
911365
Abstract:
Material with Exceptional Properties for Extravehicular Thermal Management
A new class of micro-structural material, K-Max, has been developed with exceptional
heat transfer properties that can relieve or accommodate many of the constraints
of space suit thermal management. The local thermal conductivity of K-Max can be
varied rapidly from that of a good insulator to many times greater than that of a
metallic conductor. A compliant K-Max body covering can automatically maintain constant
local body temperature when the local heat flow and heat rejection temperature vary
widely. K-Max can be formed into virtually any shape with a wide variety of compositions.
Phase I will survey space suit needs and define specific applications that can benefit
from the use of K-Max, including both passive and active body cooling. A specific
K-Max spacesuit component will be selected for detailed analysis and evaluation,
and for comparison of the K-Max component with conventional components. A detailed
program plan will be prepared for Phase II development and preprototype demonstration.
A deliverable mock-up demonstrator will be prepared in Phase I to demonstrate credibility
of the novel heat transfer process to be employed in Phase II.
The project will develop novel know-how and technology that will have wide applicability
to a family of temperature-regulating body coverings for aerospace and other commercial
applications.
temperature, material, space suit, K-Max, regulation, heat cooling