Design of Planetary Two-Phase Thermal Control Systems, Using Experimental Data of Terrestrial Model Systems, Built According to Thermal-Gravitational Modelling and Scaling Laws 2007-01-3242

Advanced thermal management systems are one of the key technologies needed for future applications within the framework of the NASA Authorization Act 2005. This Act specifies that a programme shall be established to develop a sustained human presence on the Moon, including a robust pre-curser programme to promote exploration, science, commerce and US pre-eminence in space, and as a stepping stone to future exploration of Mars and other destinations. This paper will elucidate the development of two-phase thermal management systems for Moon and Mars applications, using data obtained from experiments with terrestrial scale-model systems, built according to the thermal-gravitational modelling and scaling laws (derived from dimension-analytical similarity considerations). It will include also important supporting issues, like the compilation of flow pattern maps at various gravity levels and writing down the constitutive heat and mass transfer equations for these maps. It will conclude with an onset for a roadmap to follow for realising the proper development of efficient and long-term reliable planetary two-phase thermal control systems.