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Analysis of institutional authors

Martinez, UAuthorSalgado Sánchez P.AuthorBorshchak Kachalov A.AuthorEzquerro, JmAuthorOlfe, KAuthor

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February 3, 2025
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Laboratory Experiments on Passive Thermal Control of Space Habitats Using Phase-Change Materials

Publicated to: Thermo. 4 (4): 461-474 - 2024-12-01 4(4), DOI: 10.3390/thermo4040025

Authors:

Ongil, Claudia; Martinez, Ursula; Sanchez, Pablo Salgado; Kachalov, Andriy Borshchak; Ezquerro, Jose Miguel; Olfe, Karl
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Affiliations

Univ Politecn Madrid, Ctr Computat Simulat, E USOC, E T S Ingn Aeronaut & Espacio - Author

Abstract

Here, we investigate the performance of phase-change materials (PCMs) in the passive thermal control of space habitats. PCMs are able to absorb and release large amounts energy in the form of latent heat during their (typically, solid-to-liquid) phase transition, which makes them an ideal choice for passive temperature control. In this study, a conceptual design of an igloo-shaped habitat is proposed. A scaled model for laboratory experiments is manufactured via 3D printing, using tap water as the PCM. The setup is used to conduct experiments and analyze PCM performance, based on temperature measurements inside and outside the habitat. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of PCMs in increasing thermal inertia and stabilizing the habitat interior temperature around the melting temperature, confirming that PCMs can be a suitable alternative for passive thermal control. The present study holds significant interest for the future of space exploration, with the emerging need to design habitats that are capable of accommodating astronauts.
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Keywords

DesignExperimentsPcmPhase-change materialsSpace habitats

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Thermo due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2024 there are still no calculated indicators, but in 2023, it was in position 34/79, thus managing to position itself as a Q2 (Segundo Cuartil), in the category Thermodynamics. Notably, the journal is positioned en el Cuartil Q2 para la agencia Scopus (SJR) en la categoría Engineering (Miscellaneous).

Independientemente del impacto esperado determinado por el canal de difusión, es importante destacar el impacto real observado de la propia aportación.

Según las diferentes agencias de indexación, el número de citas acumuladas por esta publicación hasta la fecha 2026-04-09:

  • WoS: 4
  • Scopus: 6
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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-04-09:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 5 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
    • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/89362/

    As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

    • Views: 99
    • Downloads: 175
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    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Ongil, C) and Last Author (OLFE GARCIA, KARL STEPHAN).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Sanchez, PS.

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