Numerical Study of Heat Transfer in a Thermal Control ‎Module ‎Incorporating Porous ‎Media and Phase Change ‎Materials for Zero-‎Gravity Applications

Bahrami, Hamid-Reza; Ghaedi, Mahziyar

doi:10.22075/jhmtr.2026.38733.1808

Numerical Study of Heat Transfer in a Thermal Control ‎Module ‎Incorporating Porous ‎Media and Phase Change ‎Materials for Zero-‎Gravity Applications

Articles in Press

Document Type : Full Length Research Article

Authors

Hamid-Reza Bahrami ¹

Mahziyar Ghaedi ²

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qom University of Technology, P.O. Box 37195-1519, Qom, 37181 46645, Iran

² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qom University of Technology, ‎Qom, Iran

10.22075/jhmtr.2026.38733.1808

Abstract

Effective thermal management is vital for spacecraft electronics facing transient heat loads. A two-dimensional enthalpy–porosity model was implemented in ANSYS Fluent to simulate phase change material melting and solidification under both terrestrial and zero-gravity conditions, capturing mushy zone behavior. A parametric study evaluated foam thickness (L*=0.3–1.0), width (16–70 mm), porosity (0.90–0.98), and material type (aluminum, copper, silicon carbide, and graphite) on peak temperature, melt evolution, and system mass. Results show that porous media can reduce maximum temperature by up to 65 K and system mass by approximately 70% while ensuring safe operation. Under zero-gravity, PCM–foam composites significantly enhance heat spreading since the conductive foam skeleton compensates for suppressed natural convection, ensuring uniform melting regardless of orientation. The findings quantify critical trade-offs between thermal performance and mass. This work provides clear quantitative robust design guidance for developing lightweight, passive thermal management systems for satellites and deep-space probes operating in harsh extraterrestrial environments.

Keywords

PCM

Phase Change Materials

Zero-Gravity

Heat Transfer

Heat Sink

Subjects