Equations are formulated for the two-dimensional, anisotropic conduction of heat in space radiator fins. The transverse temperature field is obtained by the integral method, and the axial field by numerical integration. A shape factor, defined for the heat-pipe interface boundary condition, simplifies the analysis and renders the results applicable to general heat-pipe/conduction-fin designs. The thermal results are summarized in terms of the fin efficiency, a fin length parameter, and a radiation/axial-conductance number. These relations, together with those for mass distribution between fins, heat pipes, and headers are used in formulating a radiator mass/heat-rate criterion function. Minimization of the criterion function results in asymptotic solutions for the optimum radiator geometry and conditions. The effect of physical properties on the optimum design is determined; in particular, performance is found to vary with fin conductivity to the 1/3 power for large conductivity values.
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February 1993
Research Papers
Minimum-Weight Analysis of Anisotropic Plane-Fin Heat-Pipe Space Radiators
Kurt O. Lund,
Kurt O. Lund
Center for Energy and Combustion Research 0310, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093-0310
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Karl W. Baker
Karl W. Baker
Power Technology Division 301-3, NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH 44135
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Kurt O. Lund
Center for Energy and Combustion Research 0310, University of California, La Jolla, CA 92093-0310
Karl W. Baker
Power Technology Division 301-3, NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH 44135
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Feb 1993, 115(1): 37-41 (5 pages)
Published Online: February 1, 1993
Article history
Received:
February 1, 1992
Revised:
August 1, 1992
Online:
June 6, 2008
Citation
Lund, K. O., and Baker, K. W. (February 1, 1993). "Minimum-Weight Analysis of Anisotropic Plane-Fin Heat-Pipe Space Radiators." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. February 1993; 115(1): 37–41. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2930022
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