Refractory solid-state heat pipes and heat shields
AssigneeRockwell International Corporation
InventorsWilliam R. Wagner, Sandor Holly
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A refractory solid-state heat pipe assembly, or heat shield, capable of solid-state operation at high and low extreme temperature ranges in hostile environments, with particular application found in hypersonic vehicle surfaces, is provided.
Claims14
A refractory solid state heat pipe including at least one heat transfer element, said element comprising:
- (a) a thermally conductive solid substrate and a diamond coating about said substrate;
- and
- (b) a thermally conductive containment matrix configured to surround and support said substrate and diamond coating.
A high temperature heat shield having at least one surface exposed to temperatures above 2700.degree. F., and including sub-surface refractory solid state heat pipes, said heat pipes including at least one heat transfer element, said element further comprising:
- (a) a thermally conductive substrate and a diamond coating about said substrate;
- and
- (b) a thermally conductive containment matrix configured to surround and support said substrate and diamond coating.
A method of forming a refractory solid state heat pipe having at least one heat transfer element, said method comprising:
- (a) fabricating a thermally conductive solid substrate with a diamond coating deposited on said substrate;
- (b) configuring a thermally conductive containment matrix surrounding and supporting said substrate and diamond coating to form a heat transfer element;
- and
- (c) enclosing at least one heat transfer element by an encasing wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.