| dc.description.abstract | Thermal control systems for future manned space missions are requiring increased turndowns to address heat rejection and thermal environment variations. As a solution, space radiators that alter the heat rejection of the system are implemented to maintain crew cabin temperatures at a feasible level. Current radiator systems can achieve a turndown ratio of 3:1, however, future missions demand over a 6:1 ratio. The morphing radiator concept falls into the category of variable heat rejection radiators, and accomplishes this through a change in shape of the high emissivity surface exposed to the environment. The actuating method uses a shape memory alloy, which is a unique material that uses a thermally-driven solid-solid phase transformation to generate strain and then fully recover. With these materials having a high energy density, they are often used as actuators and are applied here to passively thermally actuate the radiator. This thesis covers the development and implementation of a modeling tool to simulate the morphing radiator behaviour with further application as a design tool. To confirm the accuracy of the model, a validation study was conducted against previous thermal vacuum chamber testing. As a design tool, geometric trade studies were conducted to optimize the composite layup and a design of experiments was carried out to optimize shape memory alloy sizing and properties. | |
