Thermal Engineering 01

Thermal Engineering in Space How an understanding of conduction, convection and radiation can help us get to Mars In June 2003 a British-led mission started out for Mars. Beagle 2, carried by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express, will reach Mars in December 20 03. During its long journey the components aboard will have to undergo the extremes of the interplanetary environment. The loss of heat into space and the direct heating of the Sun must b e balanced to give the op timum on-board temperature. What is more, due to the high cost of transporting equipment to Mars, the mass of any solution must be kept as low as po ssible. One of the several methods utilised to accomplish this is a surprisingly simple ‘blanket’, which achieves its purpose using principles similar to the familiar vacuum or ‘Thermos’ flask. Below are some suggestions based on this technology for the planning of an alternative to the usual lessons demonstrating methods of insulation. Beagle 2 Picture: ESA Learning Objectives National Curriculum Sc4 (Physical Processes): Knowledge, skills and understanding Energy resources and energy transfer 5a. Pupils should be taught how insulation is used to reduce transfer of energy from hotter to colder objects

Thermal Engineering 01

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