Testing of Metal Bellows and Springs in Support of the Development of a Vapor Compressor for Space Flight Application

摘要

The bellows are subject to oscillatory axial movements at frequencies well above those for which there is industrial experience. The background of these tests, the test installation, the tested elements, and the test conditions and results are described. Since none of the test specimens failed during the tests, it is concluded that the likelihood of a failure of either one of the bellows during a mission is quite small, particularly so if they are replaced by new ones after about 500 hours of operating time.