Fusible Heat Sink Materials: An Identification of Alternate Candidates

Fusible heat sinks are a possible source for thermal regulation of space suited astronauts. Historically, water has been the material of choice. Identification of alternative materials with greater thermal storage capability could enable both an extension of time between recharging, as well as a reduction in size. An extensive database search was undertaken to identify candidate materials with liquid solid transformations over the temperature range of -18°C (0°F) to 5°C (40°F); and 1215 candidates were identified. Based on available data, 59 candidate materials with thermal storage capability, ΔH values higher than that of water were identified. This paper presents the methodology utilized in the study, including the decision process used for materials selection. Future work will concentrate on measurement of thermodynamic data of the most promising materials so that the reliability of the data can be improved.