Tactical 4 K Cryocooler: Concept Demonstration

The primary objective of Phase II is to obtain experimental test data to substantiate the analytic predictions developed during Phase I (4.0 W at 60.0K, 0.30 W at 11.5K, and 0.196W at 4.0K for 800 W of input pressure-volume (PV) power). This will be accomplished by leveraging a new purpose-built pulse tube cold head with existing cryocooler assets to be provided by the United States Air Force. This creative programmatic approach makes possible the build of a complete three-stage Stirling/Pulse Tube/Pulse Tube cryocooler on a limited budget. Successful build and test of this cryocooler will represent the first build of this type of three-stage cryocooler, thus establishing the viability of the concept, and it will provide an invaluable tool for model correlation to inform productized versions to follow.