Demonstration of liquid nitrogen wicking using a multi-layer metallic wire cloth laminate

摘要

Cryogenic heat transport devices are the most basic and critical component for the thermal integration between the cryogenic component and its cooling source. In space environments, containment of heat transfer fluid inside a capillary structure is critical due to the absence of gravity. Cryogenic heat pipes using the capillary force for circulation may provide a solution for heat transfer in space applications due to its independence of gravity and transport distance. To achieve a high effective capillary performance, several options of wicking structures have been investigated. An efficient wicking flow of liquid nitrogen is demonstrated with a sintered, multi-layer, porous lamination of metal wire (pore size as low as 5 μm) in an open cryogenic chamber. The test data are presented in this paper. This technology has potential for use in development of improved cryogenic heat transfer devices and containment of cryogenic propellants under micro-gravity environment.