Evaluation and optimization of heat transfer at the interfaces of spacecraft assemblies

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental and numerical work achieved in the aim of evaluating the heat transfer at the interfaces of threaded spacecraft assemblies, where Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) are placed between two surfaces to improve the thermal performance. Developing a model to predict thermal resistance for such an assembly is a serious challenge, which has to take various influencing parameters into account. First, mechanical and thermal experiments used to characterise TIMs are summarised. Second, a numerical model capable of representing the behaviour of these materials is built. To verify the mechanical model, the preload of a single fastener assembly is measured and compared with a simulation. The thermo-mechanical model is verified by an assembly heated by a power resistor to evaluate the thermal aspects. The proposed material model is able to predict the loss of preload caused by creep/relaxation of the TIM and the temperature distribution of the assembly. This work is part of a broader study that seeks to develop a multi-physics approach to evaluate the heat transfer at interfaces of space application assemblies.