Heat transfer of insulation structure for large cryogenic wind tunnel

Abstract

In order to maintain the cryogenic environment of cryogenic wind tunnel in service, heat transfer of insulation structure is investigated in this work. Firstly, the design and material selection of insulation structure is conducted. Afterwards, theoretical calculation on heat transfer of insulation structure is carried out based on 1-D heat conduction model. Subsequently, the finite element model of insulation structure is established, on this basis, involving the actual work condition of cryogenic wind tunnel, heat transfer of the insulation structure is numerically calculated. Finally, the testing platform able to simulate the work environment of cryogenic wind tunnel is built and the temperature measurement experiments at the cryogenic condition and at the cryogenic pressure condition are carried out, respectively. The obtained results show that the designed insulation structure is in possession of great insulation characteristics to ensure the cryogenic environment of cryogenic wind tunnel. Additionally, the established testing platform can provide a testing method to investigate the heat transfer character of other materials or structures in cryogenic environment.