Optimization of space radiators accounting for variable thermal conductivity and base-to-fin radiation interaction

Abstract

Space radiators used in aerospace applications are required to have a minimum weight, for the desired heat transfer rate. To ensure that the radiator has an optimal geometry, it is important that the heat transfer rate be calculated accurately. To obtain the heat transfer rate from the radiator accurately, the radiative interaction between the fin surface and fin base and the variation of thermal conductivity with temperature should be included in the analysis. Taking into account these two phenomena, this study was conducted in order to explore the optimal dimensions of a space radiator. The dimensionless nonlinear and nonhomogeneous fin equation is solved using the variation of the parameters method for carrying out the required optimization procedure. The optimization results are presented as convenient correlation equations for suitable ranges of problem parameters.