Cantilevered structure supports heat exchanger coils against vibration loading while allowing freedom for differential thermal growth. The support channels will accept a variety of coil angles with the same coil pitch, thus reducing the number of parts required. This design, with slight modification, could be used to support parallel rows of straight piping

Urquidi, R.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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December 1966	 Brief 66-10567 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Heat Exchanger Tubes Supported in High Vibration Environment 
Heat Exchanger Tubes 
The problem: 
Helically wound tubes, mounted inside a turbine 
exhaust duct, form the tank pressurization heat ex-
changer used on large liquid fueled space vehicles. 
The support structure for these coils presents a dif-
ficult design problem because of the high vibration 
levels and severe thermal gradients. 
The solution: 
A cantilevered structure that supports the coils 
against vibration loading while allowing freedom for 
differential thermal growth. 
How it's done: 
Support for the three rows of coil turns consists of 
a "curtain rod" channel arrangement in which hemi-
spherical protrusions are spaced along the channel
adjacent to the coils. The protrusions form a series of 
saddles on which the individual coil turns rest, giving 
support against vibratory loads while permitting 
freedom for anticipated levels of thermal growth. The 
channels are preloaded against the coil turns during 
fabrication and welded in place at their ends during 
assembly in the exhaust duct. 
Notes: 
1. The support channels will accept a variety of coil 
angles with the same coil pitch, thus reducing the 
number of parts required. 
2. Applied to J-2 engine heat exchangers, this design 
has been subjected to 1,451 starts without struc-
tural problems.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000565 2020-03-11T17:44:20+00:00Z
3. This design, with slight modification, could be 
used to support parallel rows of straight piping, for 
cable harnesses, etc. 
4. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B66- 10567
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Source: R. Urquidi
of North American Aviation, Inc.

under contract to 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M-FS-1401) 
Brief 66-10567	 Category 05


Heat exchanger tubes supported in high vibration environment

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