Spacecraft often rely heavily on passive thermal control to maintain operating temperature. An important parameter in the spacecraft heat balance equation is the emittance of thermal control coatings as a function of coating temperature. One method for determining the emittance of spacecraft thermal control from elevated temperature to cryogenic temperatures relies on a calorimetric technique. The fundamental equation governing this test method can be found in numerous places in the literature and although it generally provides reasonable results, its formulation is based on a conceptual flaw that only becomes apparent when the sample temperature approaches the wall temperature during testing. This paper investigates the cause for this error and develops the correct formulation for calorimetric emittance testing. Experimental data will also be presented that illustrates the difference between the two formulations and the resulting difference in the calculated emittance.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    An Improved Formulation for Calorimetric Emittance Testing of Spacecraft Thermal Control Coatings


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    PROTECTION OF MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES FROM SPACE ENVIRONMENT: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference: Protection of Materials and Structures From Space Environment ; 2008 ; Toronto (Canada)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 1087 , 1 ; 117-123


    Publication date :

    2009-01-05


    Size :

    7 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    An Improved Formulation for Calorimetric Emittance Testing of Spacecraft Thermal Control Coatings

    Kauder, L.R. / American Institute of Physics | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2009



    Measurement of Total Hemispherical Emittance on Spacecraft Thermal Control Coatings

    Padmanabhan / Ramasamy, A. / Murthy, H. Narayana et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 1992


    Measurement of Total Hemispherical Emittance of Spacecraft Thermal Control Coatings at Low Temperatures

    Yenni, Govinda R. / Ambirajan, Amrit / Sundaresan, Narasinganallur K. et al. | Tema Archive | 2012


    Electrochromic Emittance Modulation Devices for Spacecraft Thermal Control

    Trimble, C. L. / Franke, E. / Hale, J. S. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000