Dewar technology study

Abstract

The development of a Dewar system for handling liquid helium under weightless conditions is described. Porous plug designs for the prevention of superfluid creep out of the dewar through the vent line were evaluated. For the purpose of designing a neck to provide a transition from the cold cavity to the outside, the loads carried by the neck and equipment supports were studied. Temperature, pressure, and mass flow instrumentation for monitoring Dewar performance were also evaluated. In addition, multilayer blankets consisting of aluminized Mylar separated by Dacron net sheets were designed to insulate the pressure vessel. The dewar system is suggested for use with the star tracking telescope aboard the relativity satellite.