A Parametric Study of the Feasibility of a Shape Memory Alloy Torque Tube Heat Pipe for Thermal Transport and Mechanical Actuation

Author

• Liam Gallagher, University of Dayton

Date of Award

5-9-2026

Degree Name

M.S in Aerospace Engineering

Department

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Advisor/Chair

Rydge Mulford

Abstract

Equipment on NASA’s CubeSats has been known to fail early in the satellite lifetime due to poor thermal regulation. In pursuit of a robust solution to the problem of simultaneous passive thermal control and passive actuation, a shape memory alloy (SMA) torque tube heat pipe was theorized. The focus of this research was to compare the many structural limitations that constrain the development of an SMA torque tube and the heat load limitations that constrain the development of a heat pipe. A code was developed in MATLAB which equates all relevant governing equations in order to determine valid tube geometries for a torque tube heat pipe made out of Nitinol, a popular shape memory alloy. Many varying parameters were examined to produce multiple outputs of valid geometries, thus providing design spaces that prove the feasibility of a Nitinol torque tube heat pipe.

Keywords

Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Comments

OCLC No. 1591813619

Rights Statement

Copyright 2026, author.

Recommended Citation

Gallagher, Liam, "A Parametric Study of the Feasibility of a Shape Memory Alloy Torque Tube Heat Pipe for Thermal Transport and Mechanical Actuation" (2026). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7683.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/graduate_theses/7683