HiDuct - High Thermal Conductivity Hybrid Structures

The objective of the study is to develop a hybrid structure, where besides structural strength also high thermal conductivity is required. These high conductive structures can replace conventional metallic elements, which are heavy due to their limited thermal conductance, and in selected cases even two-phase heat transportation systems. Outstanding weight and cost reduction may be achieved for example in spacecraft radiators, since the use of heat pipes can be avoided or reduced. The compound can also be envisaged to reduce weight in spacecraft thermal management systems, which are typically constrained by thermal limitations. Examples are passive deployable radiators, thermal doublers and housings of electronic units. The principle of the hybrid structure is illustrated in the following figure:

The structure consists of a high-conductive graphite layer, which is sandwiched between two aluminum alloy sheets. The latter have integrated hooks, which penetrate into the high-conductive layer, in order to increase the mechanical strength and the out- of-plane thermal conductivity of the compound.