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A Numerical Study of Radiative Fin Performance with an Emphasis on Geometry and Spacecraft Applications

DeBortoli, Nicholas Sante
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1639390970968707

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, Mechanical Engineering.
Radiative fin technology is used in a wide variety of applications: automotive, electronics, and space. However, throughout history, radiative fin geometry is generally only analyzed along the thickness profile. This work analyzes radiative fin planar geometry and thickness profile in tandem. From there, the findings are used to investigate a novel dynamic spacecraft radiator system. Fins are analyzed to optimize for a variety of performance criteria, including maximum heat transfer, tip temperature, or fin efficiency. For analysis of both static and dynamic fins, a two-dimensional mathematical heat transfer model is developed. It is found that a triangular thickness profile is most critical for heat rate maximization. A fin with a triangular thickness profile increases heat rate by 38.8% when compared to a fin with identical planar geometry and volume, but with a uniform thickness profile. Planar shape is also found to influence fin performance. A fin with a rectangular planar geometry has a 6.8% increase in heat transfer as compared to a fin with a triangular planar geometry and identical thickness profile and volume. Additionally, it is also found that triangular thickness profiles produce the maximally efficient fins. Following these results, a novel design for a dynamic spacecraft radiator with annular geometry and varied thickness profiles is presented. It is found that turndown ratios of 3.33 are capable with the novel system. Furthermore, it was found that fins with tapered thickness profile have the highest efficiency and turndown ratio. Finally, it was shown that turndown ratio and fin efficiency decrease as operating temperature increases.
Rydge Mulford (Committee Chair)
Andrew Schrader (Committee Member)
Kevin Hallinan (Committee Member)
Andrew Chiasson (Committee Member)
100 p.
Aerospace Engineering; Applied Mathematics; Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Radiation
Radiation, fin, fins, heat transfer, radiative fins, spacecraft, CubeSat, geometry, dynamic radiator, turndown ratio, thickness profile, planar shape

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • DeBortoli, N. S. (2021). A Numerical Study of Radiative Fin Performance with an Emphasis on Geometry and Spacecraft Applications [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1639390970968707

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • DeBortoli, Nicholas. A Numerical Study of Radiative Fin Performance with an Emphasis on Geometry and Spacecraft Applications. 2021. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1639390970968707.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • DeBortoli, Nicholas. "A Numerical Study of Radiative Fin Performance with an Emphasis on Geometry and Spacecraft Applications." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1639390970968707

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

dayton1639390970968707
40
© 2021, some rights reserved.Creative Commons License A Numerical Study of Radiative Fin Performance with an Emphasis on Geometry and Spacecraft Applications by Nicholas Sante DeBortoli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at etd.ohiolink.edu.
This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.