1 Scope
Solid-liquid phase-change materials (PCM) are a favoured approach to spacecraft passive
thermal control for incident orbital heat fluxes or when there are wide fluctuations
in onboard equipment.
The PCM thermal control system consists of a container which is filled with a substance
capable of undergoing a phase-change. When there is an the increase in surface temperature
of spacecraft the PCM absorbs the excess heat by melting. If there is a temperature
decrease, then the PCM can provide heat by solidifying.
Many types of PCM systems are used in spacecrafts for different types of thermal transfer
control.
Characteristics and performance of phase control materials are described in this Part.
Existing PCM systems are also described.
The Thermal design handbook is published in 16 Parts
TR 17603‑31‑01
Thermal design handbook – Part 1: View factors
TR 17603‑31‑02
Thermal design handbook – Part 2: Holes, Grooves and Cavities
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