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When is an ADR the Right Tool for the Job?

Experimentalists seeking cryogenic platforms below 250 mK have essentially two choices: Dilution Refrigeration (DR) or Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigeration (ADR) cryostats. There are particular applications where one or the other is the best tool. In some cases, either may be equally suitable. Charlie Danaher, HPD, discusses the differences.

A Review of Cryogenic Sensors for Emerging Applications

For cryogenic applications, the most common types of temperature sensors are resistors, diodes and thermocouples. Choosing a sensor depends on application, response time and response range, sensitivity, stability, ease of use, packaging and optimum cost.

A Progressive Building Block Testing Approach to Validate Designs for Cryogenic Structures

CTD's support of the James Webb Space Telescope program involved a progressive building block approach, starting with simple materials and bonded joint tests, and followed by testing of sub-assemblies, prototypes and proof testing of flight hardware.

CSA Participates in ‘Science Works’ Outreach Event

On October 4 and 5, 2013, CSA participated in “Science Works: Cool Jobs, Hot Careers” at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The aim of the event was to provide opportunities for youth to engage with STEM professionals as a way to spark interest in STEM-related career paths.

Researchers achieve breakthrough in superconducting cable technology for future Navy ship applications

Researchers at Florida State University’s Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) achieved a major breakthrough in their ongoing high temperature superconducting cable project that will lead to increased power generation and reduced weight for future naval vessels and aircraft.

A superconductor-surrogate earns its stripes

Understanding superconductivity, whereby certain materials can conduct electricity without any loss of energy, has proved to be one of the most persistent problems in modern physics.

Latest in Defining Cryogenics

Dewar

A dewar is a type of cryostat named after Sir James Dewar, the researcher who first developed the concept of a vacuum insulated container with silvered walls to reflect thermal radiation. Dewar was the first to liquefy hydrogen, and he created the device to store his discovery. The thermos bottle...

Stirling and Gifford-McMahon Cryocoolers

Stirling and Gifford-McMahon (GM) cryocoolers are two of the most commonly used cryocoolers in cryogenics. Both devices have a significant industrial base and operate at a wide range of temperatures and capacities. The thermodynamic cycles for both of these cryocoolers are quite similar. The Stirling cycle consists of a compressor,...

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

A significant commercial application of cryogenics is the liquefaction, transport and storage of natural gas. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is generally 95 percent methane with a few percent ethane and much lower concentrations of propane and butane. LNG liquefies at 111.6 K. Unlike many applications of cryogenics, the motivation for...

Latest in Cryo Central

Magnets

From “Superconductivity: Present and Future Applications” by the Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors. Particle physics uses accelerators to recreate the conditions of the early universe in an attempt to piece together the complex puzzle of how we got to where we are today. These huge machines are used...

Energy Storage

From “Superconductivity: Present and Future Applications” by the Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors. With power lines increasingly congested and prone to instability, strategic injection of brief bursts of real power can play a crucial role in maintaining grid reliability. Small-scale Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) systems, based on...

Astronomy

ASTRONOMY IN SPACE by Peter V. Mason, retired, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Visiting Associate, California Institute of Technology. Pmason@alumni.caltech.edu In thinking about the reasons to perform astronomy in space, we first consider the effect of the earth’s atmosphere. On a scale of decreasing energy, gamma rays, cosmic rays, X-rays and...

Cryocoolers

What is a Cryocooler? A mechanism that can extract heat from an object (cooler) and by doing so draw its temperature down below approximately 150 Kelvin (cryo). — (Courtesy Dr. Willy Gully) What is the difference between a Cryocooler and a Cryostat? A cryostat is any device designed to maintain...

Latest in Ask the Experts

Any experience with Tungsten or Tantalum metal springs in a low temp environment?

I would like to use metal springs made of Tungsten or Tantalum in low temperature environment. Does anybody have any experience with such springs? More precisely, I would like to make compression springs by rolling tungsten or tantalum wire on a rod. I expect that, typically, the spring constant will...

Standards & specifications for pipe & tube couplings

I am interested in finding out more about cryogenic applications and what standards, specifications and test methods (ASTM, etc.) are required for qualification of pipe and tube couplings.

Looking for a test house to test the static coefficient of friction under cryogenic conditions

I am looking to find a test house that is capable of testing the static coefficient of friction under cryogenic conditions. We can be flexible on most of the test parameters, including the test coupon configuration, but we’re looking for a test house that can provide the following test environment:...

Approximating pressure changes over time in cryogenic cylinders

I am an Air Resources Engineer with the California Air Resources Board (CARB). My senior management has asked me to investigate approximating pressure changes over time in cryogenic cylinders that contain LNG. So far, I have taken a stab at the problem, seeking to take a back-of-the-envelope approach (as directed...

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