A High-Performance Cryovacuum Rotary Slip Ring Union

The Air Force tests and calibrates visible and infrared radiometric sensors for interceptor aircraft and space surveillance systems using test facilities that simulate the high-vacuum, cryogenic conditions of high-altitude flight and space. Simulation of vehicle roll and variations in the test object’s temperature compared to the background environment is important and requires a new rotary fluid and electrical feedthrough capability with thermal isolation. Creare proposes to develop a high-performance cryovacuum rotary slip ring union that provides continuous rotation pass-through capability for electrical power channels, low-noise signal channels, and dual cryogenic fluid channels. Our slip ring union is compatible with high-vacuum conditions and operates from ambient temperatures down to below 80 K. It also provides thermal isolation between the supply and return fluid channels and between the fluid channels and the mounting flange, so the test item can be thermally isolated from its surrounding chamber and heat exchange between the source and return cooling fluid streams can be minimized. In this Phase I project, Creare will design and develop a proof-of-concept cryovacuum slip ring union prototype and conduct testing to demonstrate the performance of key materials, design features, and components and their ability to meet the requirements for thermal isolation, signal properties, and service conditions. Creare will also develop a conceptual design for a fully functional, packaged cryovacuum slip ring union prototype to be fabricated, tested, and delivered to the Air Force in Phase II.