| abstract |
A thermal radiating system particularly suited for use in space applications is provided with a high ratio of heat transfer to weight and a thin and light weight construction. The radiator includes heat pipes that are spaced to minimize damage from micrometeorites and through which a heat transfer medium is circulated from a heat generating source. Graphite fibers are used for their small mass per unit area and are preferably of a heat treated type having a substantially improved thermal conductivity over conventional graphite fibers. The graphite fibers are associated with the heat pipes and constitute the principal radiating surface of the system. In one embodiment, the graphite fibers are disposed in substantially parallel, co-planar relationship with respect to each other and in substantially perpendicular relationship to their associated heat pipe, thus giving the radiator in the array the appearance of a comb. In a second embodiment, the graphite fibers are in the form of a belt that is entrained about two rotatable heat pipes. |