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Mccrary, L. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Mccrary, L. E..

Use of cryopumps on large space simulation systems

The need for clean, oil free space simulation systems has demanded the development of large, clean pumping systems. The assurance of optically dense liquid nitrogen baffles over diffusion pumps prevents backstreaming to a large extent, but does not preclude contamination from accidents or a control failure. Turbomolecular pumps or ion pumps achieve oil free systems but are only practical for relatively small chambers. Large cryopumps were developed and checked out which do achieve clean pumping of very large chambers. These pumps can be used as the original pumping system or can be retrofitted as a replacement for existing diffusion pumps.

Mccrary, L. E.↗

Measurement of apparent thermal conductivity of multilayer insulations at low compressive loads.

A description is presented of the test calorimeter, the experimental technique, and the results obtained in an evaluation of four multilayer insulations selected for application on future multilaunch space vehicles utilizing liquid hydrogen and oxygen for orbital operations. Particular attention is paid to techniques for minimizing error in obtaining thermal conductivity data. The effective conductivity for four high-performance insulations was determined at a minimum of four compressive loads in the range from 0.0001 to 0.1 psi. Results show that the thermal conductivity of multilayer insulations is insensitive to small changes in mechanical loading at 1 torr interstitial gas pressure, but becomes increasingly more sensitive to mechanical loading as the interstitial gas pressure is reduced.

Holmes, V. L.↗