Passive Cooling Composite Control Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite materials used in air vehicle control surfaces are limited by their maximum use temperature, as exceeding the resin glass transition temperature leads to charring or burning, making them unsuitable for high-speed, high-thermal-loading environments.
Innovation Solution
A passive cooling system with a fluid transfer chamber and a coolant that uses capillary action to absorb thermal energy through boiling heat transfer, reducing thermal loading on air vehicle surfaces and enabling the use of conventional composites in high-speed environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional composite materials are used in air vehicle control surfaces, then weight is reduced and cost is lowered, but the maximum use temperature is exceeded in high-speed flight causing charring or burning
Solution Approach 1:
A coolant layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the composite control surface and the hot external environment. This coolant layer absorbs thermal energy through boiling heat transfer, preventing direct thermal exposure to the composite material and enabling its use in high-speed, high-thermal-loading environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the phase transition of the coolant from liquid to vapor through boiling heat transfer. This phase change absorbs large amounts of thermal energy (latent heat of vaporization), effectively cooling the composite surface and maintaining it below the resin glass transition temperature even in high-speed flight conditions
2Temperature
If active cooling systems with power, control loops, and pumps are implemented, then thermal loading is reduced, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to be self-regulating through passive capillary wicking. The coolant is drawn through the composite structure via capillary forces without requiring external pumps or control systems. The system automatically maintains cooling as long as coolant is available, eliminating the need for power, control loops, or maintenance-intensive components
Solution Approach 2:
The active mechanical pumping system is replaced with passive capillary wicking mechanisms. Instead of using motor-driven pumps and electronic control systems, the system relies on capillary forces within the composite structure to transport coolant, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining effective thermal management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively manages thermal energy, preventing surface temperatures from exceeding critical limits, allowing the use of cost-effective composites in high-speed, high-thermal-loading conditions without the need for power, control loops, or maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid transfer element wicks a portion of the coolant towards the portion of the air vehicle receiving the thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
The portion of the coolant wicked towards the portion of the air vehicle absorbs at least a portion of the thermal energy in a boiling heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a passive cooling system and a portion of an air vehicle which receives thermal energy. The passive cooling system is disposed adjacent the portion of the air vehicle and comprises a fluid transfer chamber. A fluid transfer element and a coolant are disposed within the fluid transfer chamber. The fluid transfer element wicks a portion of the coolant towards the portion of the air vehicle. The portion of the coolant wicked towards the portion of the air vehicle absorb at least a portion of the thermal energy in a boiling heat transfer.