X-IFU Thermal Filter THF300 thermalization study

Abstract

This document reports a parametric thermal study performed on different technical solutions to heat the X-IFU thermal filter TH300 to minimize molecular contamination during the lifetime of the mission. The thermal model retrieves the radial temperature profile on the THF300 filter of the X-IFU instrument and establishes the necessary conditions to keep all the filter area above the temperature of 320 K [AD1]. The outcomes of this study have guided the choice of the baseline heating strategy compliant with the stringent thermal specifications of the X-IFU instrument, the selection of the filter mesh and plating materials, and the required operating temperature of the 300 K carrier.