On the feasibility of using «cold» gas dynamic spraying of a heat-conducting powder to provide thermal contact between structural elements

The paper discusses the problem of providing thermal contact between structural elements using the heat pipes in the node module of the Russian Segment of the International Space Station as an example. It describes the process for gas dynamic spraying of a heat-conducting powder between the pipe and the primary structure. Illustrated by five experimental samples are various layouts for heat-conducting joints. It describes the procedure for experimental study of the samples. It provides the results of the experimental study. Powder layer durability with the use of different layouts was analyzed. It compares an integral characteristic of heat transfer for the power layer with a similar value obtained for a heat conductive adhesive - adhesive sealant Elasil. It demonstrates the feasibility of using gas dynamic spraying of a heat-conducting powder to provide thermal contact between structural elements.