Project Title:
A Helium-3/Helium-4 Dilution Cryocooler for Operation in Zero Gravity
09.19-8629
A Helium-3/Helium-4 Dilution Cryocooler for Operation in Zero Gravity
Alabama Cryogenic Engineering Inc.
P.O. Box 2451
Huntsville
AL
35804
Hendricks
John B.
NAS8-37260
Amount:
MSFC
NAS8-35273
Abstract:
The proposed Phase II effort is an experimental program to demonstratethe concepts developed in the Phase I study. Three alternate approaches to the operation
of a zero gravity dilution refrigerator were developed in Phase I. The method selected
uses surface tension forces to separate and circulate the He-3 rich component in
a He-4 circulation dilution cycle. The absence of gravity means that the space refrigeration
cycle is quite different from the cycle used in earth based refrigerators. The Phase
II effort will demonstrate, in the earth laboratory, the principles of the zero gravity
machine.