Extended Stroke Reverse-Operation DTE Thermal Switch for Non-Vacuum or Vacuum Extreme Environments

Goal: Develop extended stroke reverse-operation differential thermal expansion (DTE) thermal switch for non-vacuum/vacuum environments; benefits are reduced cost and improved non-vacuum performance Gap: This task addresses the need for autonomous, passive thermal switching key (NASA Tech Roadmap TA14.2). The new, affordable thermal switch will provide autonomous thermal control for robotic systems/instruments in non-vacuum (e.g., Mars, Titan, Earth, etc.) and in vacuum (e.g., Moon, Europa, etc.). Innovation: Use new negative CTE material (Allvar), positive CTE material (Ultem 1000), and multiple stages (N) in reverse-operation DTE thermal switch for 1 mm gap in non-vacuum (10X current SOA), increased OFF gap margin, less side-load susceptibility in vacuum Approach: 1) Design/size thermal switch elements to provide sufficient internal compliance (spring constant) such that internal stresses are within the capabilities of the materials (take advantage of higher strength, lower k Allvar vs. Invar 36) 2) Utilize the same design, fabrication, thermal analysis, structural analysis personnel and techniques that were used in the successful fabrication of the original reverse-operation DTE thermal switch 3) Purchase materials from Allvar Alloys for prototype; in parallel, further develop the recently demonstrated capability to produce Allvar-like material at JPL

Use Neg & Pos CTE Materials, Multiple Stages in DTE Thermal Switch for 10X OFF Gap in Non-Vacuum, Increased OFF Gap Margin, Less Side-Load Susceptibility in Vacuum

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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