Thermal Energy Storage and Heat Transfer Support Program. Task-5. Heat Pipe LifeTest Study. Facilities Upgrading and Maintenance

摘要

This report describes the recommissioning, upgrading, and maintaining of thirtylow and five high temperature heat pipe life test rigs. This is an ongoing research effort, originally put together by NASA LeRC, continued by the Air Force. The 92 cm long 1.27 cm dia. spacecraft-type heat pipes have completed nearly 74,000 hours of life tests. They exhibit varying Delta Ts across the length and symptoms of gas accumulation. Life test status and temperature profile for each pipe are presented. The sodium and potassium pipes have undergone relatively less hours of testing (34,000 hours) only. These five pipes are exhibiting normal status. All the life tests will continue till failure and there will be updates of this report.