Design fundamentals of rapid cool-down Joule-Thomson (JT) cryostats and sensors

Glenn E. Bonney; David M. Stubbs

doi:10.1117/12.178595

23 June 1994 Design fundamentals of rapid cool-down Joule-Thomson (JT) cryostats and sensors

Glenn E. Bonney, David M. Stubbs

Proceedings Volume 2227, Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments VI; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.178595
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The future of rapid cooldown cryogenic IR systems lies in lightweight, compact and inexpensive designs that use state-of-the-art configurations, materials and mass-production manufacturing processes. Miniature JT cryocoolers are ideally suited for cooling applications that require long storage periods (10 - 15 yr), fast cooldown times (< 30 s) and short operating missions (< 3 min). Most of the applications cool seeker sensors on missiles, projectiles, or `smart' bombs where environments conditions of temperature, acceleration, shock and vibration are harsh, where volume and weight must be minimized, and where low cost is required for large quantities. The Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratories are currently developing the Low Cost Sensor Integrated Dewar Assembly (LCS IDA) using an APD Cryogenics Inc. JT cryocooler. This paper presents the design fundamentals of rapid cooldown dewars and JT cryocoolers with the LCS IDA as a case study. Specific topics include: the performance trade-offs of the many thermodynamic parameters; the systems approach to the design process, and; recent test results.

Citation Download Citation

Glenn E. Bonney and David M. Stubbs "Design fundamentals of rapid cool-down Joule-Thomson (JT) cryostats and sensors", Proc. SPIE 2227, Cryogenic Optical Systems and Instruments VI, (23 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.178595

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