Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 K38 / Master of Science

This thesis covers two topics. The first subject involves tests run on a ultralite reflux tube supplied by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories (PNL). The second topic involves tests to determine the relative wicking rates of several different fabrics. The ultralite reflux tube supplied by PNL was constructed of copper and Nextel 312. It had a 10 mil thick copper evaporator and a 10 mil thick copper condenser end cap. The bulk of the condenser was 2 mil thick copper covered by a one inch diameter Nextel 312 woven hose. A life test was run within the Heat Pipe Test Facility, a chamber used to simulate low earth orbit. The life test lasted for over 800 hours, during which time the reflux tube operated steadily with no drop in performance. At the end of the test the reflux tube was removed and observed. The only noticeable change was a slight discoloration of the Nextel 312 used to cover the condenser. This discoloration was consistent with previously observed phenomenon. The second topic, fabric wicking rate studies were done as a follow up study to the dry uptake tests previously conducted at Oregon State University. The purpose of the tests were to get a relative feel for the ability of different fabrics to wick water. This was achieved using a drop test in which the fabrics were laid out on a bridge connecting two containers. One of the containers was elevated above the other. The fabrics were allowed to wick water from the upper container to the lower container and the rate at which this was accomplished was measured. The fabrics were all able to move significant amounts of water. The stiffer fabrics seemed to perform better. The major transport mechanism was transport between fabric layers and the fabric and the bridge. / Graduation date: 1993