NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : A Lightweight Radiator

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Due to the high launch cost for missions to the moon, lunar bases, Mars and other advanced applications, the weight of the life support system must be minimized. Radiators reject the heat generated by the life support system. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes reducing radiator weight by using a composite material composed of very conductive carbon fibers in a carbon matrix. Typically the fluid transferring the heat from the life support system to the radiator is carried by metal tubes. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion of metal and carbon composites are not equal. The unequal thermal expansion stresses the joint and can break the connection between the tube and the radiator surface, deactivating the radiator.

To minimize the stress, TDA has identified two methods of joining the metal tube and the carbon-carbon matrix. TDA will prepare a conceptual design of the radiator using the International Space Station radiators as a reference configuration indicative of the requirements of radiators in future spacecraft. TDA will test both approaches in Phase I and select one for Phase II.

The light weight radiator offers reduced launch weight for both manned and um-manned spacecraft. Commercial applications will be in thermal control of un-manned satellites in high earth orbit (i.e., communication satellites) from the removal of heat from the electronic components.

Robert J. Copeland
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 West 52nd Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

TDA Research, Inc.
12345 West 52nd Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033