Testing of the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) prototype loop heat pipe

摘要: This paper describes the testing of prototype loop heat pipe (LHP) for Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS). The primary objective test program was to verify loop's transport and temperature control capabilities under conditions pertinent GLAS applications. Specifically, LHP had demonstrate a capability 100 W, with operating maintained within +/-2K while condenser sink subjected change between 273K 283K. Test results showed that this more than capable transporting required load could be +/-2K. However, particular integrated evaporator-compensation chamber design resulted in an exchange energy two affected overall operation system. One effect high reach before nucleation would begin due inability liquid distribution during ground testing. Another low power start-up limitation approximately 25 W. These Issues may concern other applications, although it is not expected they will cause problems micro-gravity conditions.