Analysis and Experimental Verification of Space Radiator Performance 640518
Two thermal analysis methods for the prediction of space radiator performance are described. Both methods were programmed as options of a single computer routine. The simplified approach, herein called the “gradient method,” and the second more exact “nodal method” are used to evaluate the effect of longitudinal conduction in five radiator configurations. Results from additional calculations are used to show the effectiveness of the gradient method in accounting for lateral conduction across radiator fin midpoints. Results are also presented for tests conducted in a space environment simulator to compare experimental data with the performance predictions of the computer routine.
