Water-based polymer network for transpirant cooling applications
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsJustin B. Alms, John A. Sharon, Stephen P. Zeppieri
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Abstract
A method includes obtaining thermal energy from a structure to be cooled, where the structure includes micro-channels. The method also includes providing the thermal energy to a water-based polymer network, where the water-based polymer network includes a gel formed using a polymer and water. The method further includes generating one or more gases by heating the water-based polymer network, where generating the one or more gases includes releasing the water in the water-based polymer network to produce steam. In addition, the method includes passing the one or more gases through the micro-channels to remove at least some of the thermal energy from the structure.
Claims21
A method comprising:
- obtaining thermal energy from a structure to be cooled, the structure comprising micro-channels;
- providing the thermal energy to a water-based polymer network, the water-based polymer network comprising a gel formed using a polymer and water;
- generating one or more gases by heating the water-based polymer network, wherein generating the one or more gases comprises releasing the water in the water-based polymer network to produce steam;
- and
- passing the one or more gases through the micro-channels to remove at least some of the thermal energy from the structure.
An apparatus comprising:
- a structure to be cooled, the structure comprising micro-channels;
- and
- a water-based polymer network configured to receive thermal energy from the structure, the water-based polymer network comprising a gel formed using a polymer and water, the water-based polymer network configured when heated to generate one or more gases, the one or more gases comprising the water in the water-based polymer network released into steam;
- wherein the micro-channels are configured to allow passage of the one or more gases in order to remove at least some of the thermal energy from the structure.
A flight vehicle comprising:
- a body comprising a leading edge, the leading edge comprising an outer structure having micro-channels;
- and
- a water-based polymer network configured to receive thermal energy from the leading edge, the water-based polymer network comprising a gel formed using a polymer and water, the water-based polymer network configured when heated to generate one or more gases, the one or more gases comprising the water in the water-based polymer network released into steam;
- wherein the micro-channels are configured to allow passage of the one or more gases in order to remove at least some of the thermal energy from the leading edge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.