THERMAL VACUUM FIXTURE
The goal for this project was to develop a system that provided automated testing on custom submodules that are subjected to thermal loading under vacuum. The system had to provide quick swap capabilities for testing multiple submodules a day while still withstanding rapid cycling temperatures from ambient, to subfreezing, and to above ambient. One of the main challenges for this project was combating condensation on fluid lines due to moisture in the surrounding air. This moisture would freeze upon surface contact with the fixture, and then proceed to melt as the temperature transitions during cycling. With a prolonged period of system operation, flooding could occur if condensation was not properly taken into account.
My scope of work for this project was the mechanical design of the system.
Test fixture accommodated a single submodule at a time, and provided a custom vacuum chamber with a single view port during system operation. Chamber lid was manually operated via leadscrew rotation and swivel positioning with a locking mechanism.
A 37U rack housed all major electrical components and provided user interfacing for system control. A subenclosure below the chamber was necessary to provide proper insulation of fluid lines to prevent/minimize condensation build up at the quick disconnect during submodule swapping.
A fully insulated fluid manifold was developed to combat condensation during cyclical loading. This enclosed manifold was subjected to a steady flow of a heated gas, as well as multiple heater pads distributed on varying surfaces.
All connection points for fluid lines were thermally isolated from panel walls to prevent thermal conduction. A combination of NW40 and NW25 fittings were utilized for passthrough of necessary signals from the vacuum chamber for process monitoring, as well as for automated control used for venting/pump down of the chamber.
