Laboratory Investigation of Lightweight Heater Tape for Shuttle Propellant Tank.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA175997 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Experimental measurements under simulated typical operating conditions have established that the addition of surface or near-surface lightweight mylar electrical heater tape to external tank ET sprayed-on-foam-insulation SOFI panels results in an efficient approximately 67 F approx. 36 C surface temperature rise for a 10-Wsq ft applied power per unit area of SOFI surface. Consideration was given to the application of the lightweight mylar heater tape used in these measurements to the ice critical areas of the ET. A cryogenically cooled power distribution system capable of providing a 10-wsq ft heating rate was investigated for a configuration covering 8545sq ft of ET area. Total onboard system weight was estimated to be approximately 33 lb with a total mylar heater tape weight of approximately 6 lb. Keywords Space shuttle, Ice formation prevention, Ice prevention, Heater tape, VAFB launch site.

Author(s):
Spencer, Donald J. ; Bott, Jerry F. ; Whittier, James S.
Author Organization(s):
AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CA AEROPHYSICS LAB
Descriptive Note:
Technical rept.,
Pagination:
0051

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
TR-0086(6930-01)-11, SD-TR-86-88
Contract/Grant Number(s):
F04701-85-0086
Monitor Series:
TR-86-88
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*PROPELLANT TANKS, *ICE PREVENTION, *ELECTRIC HEATERS, LABORATORY TESTS, INSULATION, COOLING, ICE FORMATION, SURFACES, ICE, POLYMERIC FILMS, WEIGHT, SPACE SHUTTLES, EXTERNAL STORES, LIGHTWEIGHT, TAPES, TANKS(CONTAINERS), POWER, ONBOARD, FOAM, HEATERS, LAUNCHING SITES, POWER DISTRIBUTION, ADDITION, POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Air Conditioning, Heating, Lighting and Ventilating, Unmanned Spacecraft
Keyword(s):
Electric Heater Tape, SOFI(Sprayed on Foam Insulation), Mylar Tape
Report Date:
1986 Sep 30