Pedro Ferreira |space thermal analysis
www.pedroferreira.eu
An example of...
... an accurate raytracing calculation. The rays entering from the left are reflected by two off-axis mirrors and finally hit the detector (top-right). One baffle in the path catches the straylight.
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Worst-case selection using real Earth albedo and temperature data
Determination of the extreme thermal cases for an orbit with known altitude and start date.
The conventional approach uses a set of values (S0,alb,OLR) for the Summer and Winter solstice. The developed method uses SYSTEMA/Thermica's parametric modelling capabilities and an Earth map of albedo and temperature values.
The conventional approach returns an overdimensioned (>10%) set of operating constraints. The method outlined reduces both the radiator area and the required heater power.
The conventional approach uses a set of values (S0,alb,OLR) for the Summer and Winter solstice. The developed method uses SYSTEMA/Thermica's parametric modelling capabilities and an Earth map of albedo and temperature values.
The conventional approach returns an overdimensioned (>10%) set of operating constraints. The method outlined reduces both the radiator area and the required heater power.
Junction-Case-Board temperature mapping
Temperature mapping on electronics board and components' cases and junctions/chips. An accurate simulation taking into account the case-to-board and junction-to-case thermal resistances.
Note how the chip temperature may differ substantially from the component's case temperature. Performed in ESATAN-TMS.
Note how the chip temperature may differ substantially from the component's case temperature. Performed in ESATAN-TMS.
Modelling of electronics boxes in vacuum
Design and simulation of electronic boxes, boards and components with varying complexity. The examples are from ESATAN-TMS.
Space conditions - without convection-aided cooling - require a well-thought thermal design for the electronics.
Space conditions - without convection-aided cooling - require a well-thought thermal design for the electronics.
Liquid cooling
Short animation of two GSE (ground support equipment) mounting plates cooled by one liquid loop in a vacuum chamber. The simulation takes the liquid properties and mass flow into account.
Solar panel model with temperature-dependent cell efficiency
Thermal model of a solar panel with temperature-dependent cell efficiency.
The implementation is in SYSTEMA/Thermisol language, with an assumed 0.30 [%/degC] cell degradation, and an efficiency of 29.5% at max. power, 28 [degC], AM0.
For a temperature excursion of 120 [K], it results in a 36 [%] efficiency variation.
The implementation is in SYSTEMA/Thermisol language, with an assumed 0.30 [%/degC] cell degradation, and an efficiency of 29.5% at max. power, 28 [degC], AM0.
For a temperature excursion of 120 [K], it results in a 36 [%] efficiency variation.
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Launch profile Falcon 9
Trajectory simulation of a Falcon 9 launching from Vandenberg's SLC-4E launch pad into a Sun-synchronous orbit. The example shows the trajectory only; additional code in the TMM allows an accurate calculation of the environmental fluxes.
Click image to play animation