Investigation of external refrigeration systems for long term cryogenic storage
Selection and optimization of space cryogenic storage tanks
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Selection and optimization of space cryogenic storage tanks
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An experimental investigation of venting cylindrical containers partially filled with initially saturated liquids under zero-gravity conditions was conducted in the NASA Lewis Research Center 5-second zero-gravity facility. The effect of interfacial mass transfer on the ullage pressure response during venting was analytically determined, based on a conduction analysis applied to an infinitely planer (flat) liquid-vapor interface. This pressure response was compared with both the experimental results and an adiabatic decompression computation.
Measurements were made of the magnetic entropy and magnetization of powered samples of the compounds Dy2Ti2O7 and Gd3Al5O12. The magnetization was measured for temperatures at and below 4.2 K, in applied fields ranging to 7.0 tesla. Isothermal changes in magnetic entropy were measured for temperatures from 1.2 to 20 K, in applied fields up to 10 tesla. The results of the measurements are consistent with a doublet ground state for Dy2Ti2O7, and an eight-fold degenerate ground state for Gd3Al5O12. Absolute values of magnetic entropy have been obtained at the lower temperatures, permitting the isotherms to be properly located in the S-H plane with the use of adiabatic magnetization data. The iso-field lines in the S-T plane were determined. The results indicate that Dy2Ti2O7 can absorb a maximum of 71 + or - 4 joules/kg of heat at 4.2 K, while Gd3Al5O12 can absorb 233 + or - joules/kg at the same temperature. The large difference between the two is most likely a result of crystal field interactions in the dysoprosium compound. Both materials can be cycled adiabatically between 4.2 and 20 K.
A generalized mathematical model of gas-dynamic and heat transfer processes in single-stage regenerative installations operating in Stirling, MacMahon, Gifford-MacMahon, and pulsating tube cycles is proposed. A numerical method os solving initial equations on a digital computer is given. This makes it possible to calculate the change in the thermodynamic parameters in the working cycle in different machine components, as well as the dependence of cold productivity on the temperature level in the steady regime.
Reducing maser temperature from 4.5 to 3.0 degrees Kelvin increases gain from 45 to 72 decibles.
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Prototype pressure-compensated mounting isolates a Tunable Diode Laser (TDL) housing from mechanical vibration. Mounting is being tested as part of Langley Research Center program for development of highly sensitive instruments that remotely measure important chemical constituents of atmosphere. Instruments typically have requirement for cryogenic cooling of sensitive detectors and components that are necessary to detect presence of tenuous constituents of atmosphere. Key elements of mounting are two bellows, reaction plate, flexible straps and vibration isolators.
Previous measurements of the specific heat of V-doped Ti2O3 at low temperatures were explained by a model which also suggested the material would have a high thermoelectric figure-of-merit. The sample preparation, experimental apparatus, and the results of measurements on the thermal conductivity, thermoelectric power, and electrical resistivity of a single crystal Ti2O3 - 4% V sample are described. The results are used to derive the thermoelectric figure-of-merit between 5 and 300 K. The figure-of-merit is much smaller than expected and of little practical value because of the very high phonon thermal conductivity.
For the past decade, military IR systems have preferred to see cryogenic coolers provided as split units; separating the functions of compressor and cold-end for system packaging and vibration isolation reasons. A family of split-cycle coolers designed for long MTBF and in the final stages of development is the focus of the discussion. Their technological evolution, from multi-year-MTBF satellite system Stirling coolers developed in the U.S., and the UA 7011 cooler (the first all-linear, military, production cooler) developed in Holland, is explained. Two new split-cycle machines are discussed. They provided 1/4 watt and 1 watt (nominal capacity) at 80 K and 85 K respectively. These linear-resonant, free-displacer Stirling coolers are designed for thousands of hours of service-free operation. They are designed to be compatible with standard U.S. 60 element and 120/180 element detector/dewars, respectively.
A project to develop and field test photovoltaic-powered refrigerator/freezers suitable for vaccine storage was undertaken. Three refrigerator/freezers were qualified; one by Solar Power Corp. and two by Solvolt. Follow-on contracts were awarded for 19 field test systems and for 10 field test systems. A total of 29 systems were installed in 24 countries between October 1981 and October 1984. The project, systems descriptions, installation experiences, performance data for the 22 systems for which field test data was reported, an operational reliability summary, and recommendations relative to system designs and future use of such systems are explained. Performance data indicate that the systems are highly reliable and are capable of maintaining proper vaccine storage temperatures in a wide range of climatological and user environments.
Bolometers are still the detectors of choice for low background infrared observations at wavelengths longer than 200 microns. In the low background limit, bolometers become more sensitive as their operating temperature decreases, due to fundamental thermodynamic laws. The adiabatic demagnetization technique was evaluated by building a bolometer detection system operating at a wavelength of 1 millimeter for use at a ground based telescope. The system was fit checked at the telescope and is expected to take its first data in November, 1985.
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