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Nitrogen flow boiling and chilldown experiments in microgravity using pulse flow and low-thermally conductive
Jason Hartwig1, J N Chung2, Jun Dong2
1NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 44135, USA. Jason.W.Hartwig@nasa.gov.
NPJ Microgravity
|August 9, 2022
Summary
Reducing propellant use for space missions is key. New methods like low-conductive coatings and pulse flow significantly cut propellant needed for cryogenic transfer line chilldown in microgravity.
Area of Science:
- Space Exploration
- Fluid Dynamics
- Cryogenics
Background:
- In-space cryogenic fuel systems are essential for future space missions.
- Transfer lines require chilling to cryogenic temperatures before propellant transfer.
- Reduced gravity impacts heat transfer efficiency during chilldown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess methods for reducing propellant consumption during cryogenic transfer line chilldown in microgravity.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of low thermally conductive coatings and pulse flow.
- To investigate the combined effects of these enhancements.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 28 cryogenic transfer line chilldown experiments.
- Experiments were performed onboard four parabolic flights to simulate microgravity.
- Investigated the independent and combined effects of low thermally conductive coatings and pulse flow.
Main Results:
- Both low thermally conductive coatings and pulse flow enhance chilldown performance in microgravity.
- The combination of these methods significantly reduces propellant consumption.
- Up to 75% reduction in consumed mass was observed compared to continuous flow in bare lines.
Conclusions:
- The combined use of low thermally conductive coatings and pulse flow offers a revolutionary enhancement for cryogenic transfer line chilldown in microgravity.
- These methods minimize propellant usage, crucial for cost-effective and reusable space exploration systems.
- Further development in cryogenic fluid management is vital for advancing space missions.
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