Jump to links NASA Home Page Goddard Space Flight Center Home Page
+ Visit NASA.gov
NASA Logo - Goddard Space Flight Center
Cryogenics and Fluids Branch
 
COBE Spacecraft Thumbnail. COBE Engineering Information
from the Cryogenics & Fluids Branch
Goddard Space Flight Center.

Dewar Vent Line Analysis

Michael S. Rhee, Gary Agranat

COBE Flight Dewar

Picture of COBE Flight Dewar D

The sensitivity of the FIRAS and DIRBE detectors is highly dependent on their operating temperature. The temperature is set primarily by the flow conductance of the dewar vent. An analysis of the flow, incorporating helium thermodynamic properties was completed and, as a result, the "E-Fitting" on the vent was changed. The dramatically reduced flow impedance resulted in excellent detector sensitivity. The vent analysis correlated well with on-orbit conditions, confirming other dewar temperature data and lifetime predictions. The analysis was performed by Code 713 (now Code 552).

Return Links:
  NASA Home Page

Curator: Mark O. Kimball
NASA Official: Eric A. Silk
Last Updated: 09/11/2014