Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Richter, Robert.
Brief report proposes radiative propulsion systems for maintaining precise orbits of spacecraft. Radiation from electrical heaters directed outward by paraboloidal reflectors to produce small forces to oppose uncontrolled drag and solar-radiative forces perturbing orbits. Minimizes or eliminates need to fire rocket thrusters to correct orbits.
New analysis shows why many heat pipes have not performed as well as expected. Report shows thermodynamic aspects account for many of discrepancies.
The concept of a thermal power loop (TPL) to transport thermal power over relatively large distances is presented as an alternative to heat pipes and their derivatives. The TPL is compared to heat pipes, and capillary pumped loops with respect to size, weight, conservation of thermal potential, start-up, and 1-g testing capability. Test results from a proof of feasibility demonstrator at the NASA JPL are discussed. This analysis demonstrates that the development of specific thermal power loops will result in substantial weight and cost savings for many spacecraft.
Accumulation of noncondensible gas (NCG) has been observed in ammonia heat pipes. NCG has been found to be detrimental to the performance of heat pipes and can result in complete operational failure. A kinetic and thermodynamic analysis has been performed that evaluates the dissociation of ammonia under various conditions and predicts the amount of NCG present in heat pipes. The analysis indicates that the observed NCG in ammonia heat pipes can be attributed to the dissociation of ammonia into its constituents, hydrogen and nitrogen. It shows time and temperature to be the important parameters, in conjunction with the catalytic characteristic of the container material.
An expanded heat pipe operating model is described which includes thermodynamic and heat transfer considerations to reconcile disparities between actual and theoretical heat pipe performances. The analysis shows that thermodynamic considerations can explain the observed heat pipe performance limitations. A full understanding of thermodynamic processes could lead to advanced concepts for thermal transport devices.
Device like heat pipe transports heat over long distance with negligible loss in temperature, though with considerably smaller total weight. Uses no pumps or other mechanical means to move working fluid: Instead converts part of available thermal energy to kinetic energy upon vaporization. Vapor carries thermal energy in form of latent heat of vaporization. Delivers thermal energy with drop in temperature of only fraction of degree from source sink.
Report presents relations that predict behavior of pyrolytically operated device. Mathematical analysis motivated by need to evaluate performances of squib-driven release nuts. Analysis takes into account most significant of complicated interrelated processes involved in operation of pyrotechnically driven devices and aids in their design and evaluation of test data.
Study of dendritic-web growth of single-crystal silicon casts doubts on previously accepted physical concepts of process.
Efficiency as high as 60 percent achieved. Proposed thermal and electrical recharging scheme expected to increase overall energy efficiency of battery of sodium/sulfur cells (beta cells). Takes advantage of peculiarity in chemical kinetics of recharge portion of operating cycle to give thermal assist to electrically driven chemical reactions. Future application include portable power supplies and energy storage in commercial power systems during offpeak periods.