cryogenig fluid management / kryogene fluidhandhabung: propellant management device (CFM / KFH PMD)

abstract

In future cryogenic upper stages the ability of multiple starts of the engine is required [1, 2]. Centrifugal forces caused by the spinning of the stage could drive the liquid propellant away from the outlet of a Propellant Management Device (PMD) resulting in malfunction of the system [3]. A simplified model of the PMD is studied which includes two parallel disks segmented with radially mounted baffles and a central tube. The stability of the menisci between the disks under the influence of the central tube meniscus are examined with Surface Evolver simulations and drop tower experiments.

• [1] Behruzi, P., and Netter, G., Development of a Propellant Management Device (PMD) for Restartable Future Cryogenic Upper Stages, AIAA-2006-5053, pp. 1-10 (2006)
• [2] Behruzi, P., Dodd, C., and Netter, G., Future Propellant Management Device Concepts for Restartable Future Cryogenic Upper Stages, AIAA-2007-5498, pp. 1-10 (2007)
• [3] Reichel, Y., and Dreyer, M.E., Analysis of Critical Disturbances for Propellant Management Devices in Future Cryogenic Upper Stage, AIAA 2011-6063, pp.1-16 (2011)

KFH PMD

experiment year: 2013
number of drops: 65

CFM PMD

experiment year: 2012
number of drops: 37