Vibration Characteristics of Stirling Cycle Cryocoolers for Space Application

Vibration generated by small Stirling-cycle cryocoolers is an important concern for spacecraft designers planning to incorporate these cryocoolers into near-term space-science instruments. Under joint Air Force/Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) and NASA Eos/AIRS Instrument sponsorship, JPL has an extensive ongoing cryocooler characterization program addressed to measuring the important cryocooler performance characteristics such as self-generated vibration; these measurements provide the interface and trend data needed by instrument designers as well as valuable feedback for improving cryocooler performance.