Topic/Presenter: Thermal-Vacuum / Hearty

Question/Comment: 

I worry about insufficient thermal contact between the LN2 tank and
optics bench that a spring-loaded contact would provide.


Submitted by: Jon Holtzman


NIC-FPS Response:

The spring-loaded contact method is a recommendation from Ball (with
internal documentation still to be supplied) that would considerably
simplify assembly and disassembly.  Two spring designs are being looked
at, one with copper tabs and the second with spring steel/braided
strapping.  Each of them can handle the thermal load with a few straps,
if we can maintain substantial contact with the LN2 tank.

There is sufficient real estate available to install a large number of
springs, so the only issue is how many will be sufficient.  I intend to
build several prototypes and conduct testing to demonstrate their
thermal characteristics.  Results of the testing will indicate how many
individual springs are needed to yield the necessary thermal contact.


Status: Further details at Critical Design Review.