Abstract
This paper summarizes major results from testing efforts performed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC) on the latest generation of long life cryocoolers produced by Ball Aerospace, Lockheed, TRW and Fairchild/Creare. All of these cryocoolers were installed on vibration dynamometers in a thermal vacuum chamber. Characterization tests include the measurement of cooling load as a function of temperature; power input; axial and lateral vibration measurements, both with and without vibration control implemented; stiction testing; thermal vacuum performance testing; and where possible, methods of alignment verification. Once initial characterization is completed, life testing will commence. Characterization testing will be repeated every 2000 hours to monitor performance degradation over time. Conclusions and lessons learned are presented.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
A. Sherman, “History, Status and Future Applications of Spaceborne Cryogenic Systems”, Advances in Cryogenic Engineering. Vol. 27, Plenum Press, New York (1981), p. 1007.
F. R. Stolfi, A. Daniels, “Parametric Testing of a Linear Driven Stirling Cryogenic Refrigerator”, Proceedings of the Third Cryocooler Conference, NBS Special Publication 698 (1985).
P. Arter et al., “Stirling Cryocooler with Dual Opposed Displacers for Space Applications”, 7th International Cryocooler Conference Proceedings, P1-CP—93-1001 (1992).
H. Carrington et al., “Multistage Stirling Cryocooler for Space Applications”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
T. C. Nast et al., “Design, Performance, and Testing of the Lockheed-developed Mechanical Cryocooler”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
Walter Swift, “Single Stage Reverse Brayton Cryocooler: Performance of the Engoneering Model”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
J. A. McCormick, W. L. Swift, H. Sixsmith, “Miniaturization of Components for Low Capcity Reverse Brayton Cryocoolers”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
W. D. Stacy et al., “30K Diaphragm Stirling Cryocooler Demonstration”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
S. Castles et al., “NASA/GSFC Cryocooler Development Program”, 7th International Cryocooler Conference Proceedings, P1-CP—93-1001 (1992).
L. Sparr et al., “NASA GSFC Cryocooler Test Program Results”, 7th International Cryocooler Conference Proceedings, P1-CP—93-1001 (1992).
L. Sparr et al., “Adaptation of Tactical Cryocoolers for Short Duration Spaceflight Missions”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
R. Boyle et al., “Harmonic Vibration Control System for a Cryogenic Refrigerator”, 7th International Cryocooler Conference Proceedings, Pl-CP-93-1001 (1992).
R. Boyle et al., “Flight Hardware Implementation of a Feed Forward Vibration Control System for Space Flight Cryocoolers”, presented at 8th International Cryocooler Conference, Vail, CO (1994).
C. K. Chan et al., “Stirling Space Cooler”, 7th International Cryocooler Conference Proceedings, P1-CP-93-1001 (1992).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sparr, L. et al. (1995). NASA/GSFC Cryocooler Test Program Results for FY93/94. In: Ross, R.G. (eds) Cryocoolers 8. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9888-3_22
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9888-3_22
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-9890-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-9888-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive