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NASA NTRS · 20240010471

Multilayer Insulation for In-Space Cryogenic Applications

Wesley Johnson
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Abstract

The course will cover Multilayer Insulation (MLI) for cryogenic applications, including how it is different than traditional spacecraft MLI. The course will touch on the historical development and include recent testing for design and analysis of systems to better understand and predict system performance. The gap between analytical performance via design and fabrication and assembly will be discussed to help the analyst understand and specify the appropriate insulation design to meet their needs for high performance multilayer insulation.

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Wesley Johnson. Multilayer Insulation for In-Space Cryogenic Applications. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240010471

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NASA NTRS2019

Advanced Cryogenic Insulation Systems

New materials in recent decades have enabled advances in thermal insulation systems for storage and transfer of cryogens. To preserve the cold and achieve efficient cryogenic systems, a combination of materials, testing, and engineering is required. The total heat leak into any cryogenic assembly is comprised of three main parts: 1) heat leak through the insulation, 2) heat leak through the support structures, and 3) heat leak attributed to piping penetrations and feedthroughs (and their negative effects on the insulation). This "cold triangle" approach provides a basis for evaluating performance benefits of new materials and analyzing the cost effectiveness in overall system design. Provided are thermophysical data for aerogels, aerogel composites, novel multilayered composites, and glass bubbles for standard test conditions of 293 K and 78 K under conditions from high vacuum to ambient pressure. Examples of cryogenic storage tanks show the relative importance of both insulation and structural materials for achieving designs of highest energy efficiency.

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