| Modeling and simulating of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) usage in shielding the Entry Vehicle during entry and save a part of thermal energy for future use is the main objective of this thesis. The first step toward the goal was the literature reviewed and two models of PCM-based cooling arrangement were selected as a benchmark. The first model is an experimental test unit, containing an energy storage tank, Bronze finned tube, PCM (water), pumps, and measurement devices. Heat transferred from PCM to the cold flowing fluid inside the tube causes solidification of PCM. The second model is the container built of Aluminum fins and Aristowax as PCM. Following the benchmark, a convective cooling on the top and a study heat load to the bottom side of the container were applied. By comparing the results of the benchmarks with the new obtained results, the new method was validated for simulating the PCMs. The main part of the study is a conceptual design of a heat shield based on PCM. In this part, initial and optimized design, including the benefits of using PCM in heat shield, are discussed. |
