Search Results

Fusible heat sinks are a possible source for thermal regulation of space suited astronauts. Materials with greater thermal storage capability than water could enable both an extension of time between recharging and/or a reduction in size and/or mass. An extensive literature search identified 1,215 candidates with a solid-liquid transformation within the temperature range of -13°C (0°F) to 5°C (40° F). Based on data available in the literature, several candidates with a cooling capacity, ΔH, significantly greater than water were identified. Measurements of the transformation temperature, Ttr, and enthalpy of transformation, ΔHtr, were then undertaken with a differential scanning calorimeter in order to confirm the accuracy of the literature. Laboratory measurements have thus far not been able to corroborate the extremely high values found from the literature.