Ground-Based Study of Gravity Effects on Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in Preparation for an ISS Flight Experiment

The use of two-phase thermal systems on spacecraft has been greatly hampered by the inability to predict with sufficient confidence their performance at various gravity levels (Earth, Mars, and lunar gravity and low-g). The performance prediction of two-phase systems under these conditions requires a sufficient heat transfer database and reliable models, both of which are not currently available. Although some research in low-gravity adiabatic flows has been performed, very little heat transfer data relevant to advanced space heat exchangers is available and the mechanisms by which heat is removed from the surfaces under varying gravity environments are unclear. Using parabolic flight as a relevant environment, We will develop the data and models needed to predict the behavior of two-phase flows in geometries relevant to advanced heat exchangers in variable gravity environments throughout the boiling curve in low-g, 1-g, and high-g (1.6g). This work is a continuation of flight testing under T0005. Further work continues under T0190. Paper (October 2017): Phase-Change Heat Transfer Measurements Using Temperature-Sensitive Paints

This payload will allow for a better understanding of flow boiling and critical heat flux in microgravity. It will benefit the design of heat exchangers for future NASA missions.

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