Performance Measurement and Analysis of Multi-layer Insulation Material (MLI) From 20 K-300 K

Abstract This paper introduces a cryogen-free high vacuum multi-layer insulation material (MLI) measurement system based on a G-M cryocooler, which uses the steady-state axial heat flux method for heat measurement. The system enables cold boundary temperatures from 20 K to 120 K, and the thermal insulation performance of a commonly used MLI produced by double aluminized-Mylar and fiberglass paper is tested by this system. A modified numerical analysis method for the heat transfer coefficients of the MLI is introduced, which sets temperature as a variable. The heat transfer of the MLI is analysed according to the test and the calculation result, and thereby some MLI performance optimization method is proposed.