The Boeing Company
System for structurally integrated thermal management for thin wing aircraft control surface actuators

Abstract:

A thermal management system for transferring heat from a heat load includes a first composite structural member that supports a heat load source, a second composite structural member, and a heat transfer member positioned between the first composite structural member and the second composite structural member and in thermal contact with at least the first composite structural member, and in thermal contact with a heat sink. The system further includes at least one thermally-conductive first fastener that is in thermal contact with the heat transfer member, couples the heat load source to at least the first composite structural member, and conducts heat from the heat load source into the heat transfer member. The heat transfer member conducts heat from the thermally-conductive first fastener to the heat sink.