Flow visualization in capillary pumped loop systems
K. R. Kolos, Keith E. Herold, Edward J. Kroliczek, T. Swanson · AIP conference proceedings · 1996
This paper describes on‐going efforts to better understand capillary pumped loop (CPL) physics using flow visualization as the primary tool. Design issues include vapor bubble dynamics on the liquid side of the wick and pressure fluctuations. Significant progress has been made in understanding these issues through flow visualization. Recent efforts revolve around design and testing of a water CPL running at an evaporator temperature of approximately 313 to 323 K. Ground testing confirmed the ability to run a CPL at sub‐atmospheric pressure. However, the low pressure introduces several design and operational aspects that are unique as compared to ammonia CPL practice. These aspects are summarized and described. Current focus is on a water CPL flight experiment called VIEW‐CPL, which is expected to fly on the Shuttle Middeck around November 1996. The design and proposed test objectives for VIEW‐CPL are discussed.