| Abstract: | A mock up of Huygens probe with 76 channels acquisition has been developed at University of Padova and successfully flown with a stratospheric space balloon from Italian Space Agency Base in Trapani on May 30th 2002. Temperature sensors have monitored temperature profiles in critical points of electronics, batteries and structure during raise at 40 km altitude, floating and parachuted descent. A thermal model of the probe has been implemented taking into consideration incoming external fluxes (solar direct, albedo and radiative heat fluxes), internal heat fluxes generation and convective heat transfer with atmosphere as a function of probe altitude. For the evaluation of convective fluxes and probe spinning rates an algebraic turbulent model, developed by the present authors, has been employed. This model is suitable to predict effects such as flow curvature and separation and solid boundary rotations. Simulation results have been utilized during project phase to optimize thermal paths in order to keep critical components in the allowable temperature range and for post flight analysis of mission data. These data show that passive thermal control of the probe has performed as expected contributing to a extremely successful scientific flight. |
