Analytical approaches for the design of orbital refueling systems

The paper presents the results of experimental studies of liquid fuel deposition processes in liquid rocket propulsion system tanks under the conditions of free, i.e. unperturbed, orbital and suborbital flight under the influence of small prestart G-load created by auxiliary engines before liquid sustainer engine launch. Having conducted the dimension analysis, we formed the structure of dimensionless groups, which determine the dependence of the time required for fuel deposition to the tank intake, on the g level, the degree of tank filling and the physical properties of the propellant. Experimental studies were carried out on a zero gravity test bench, using the principle of implementing below-G conditions at the free fall of the equipment under test, and on a laboratory aircraft at the "Kepler's parabola" flight. The results of experimental studies have shown that the effect of viscosity on the deposition rate is practically absent. At the same time, in experiments it was found that, starting with Bond numbers exceeding 40 ... 50, the dimensionless separation time does not depend on Bond number, the value of the latter being determined by the minimum radius of free gas inclusions, deformed during when ascending during the separation process. Findings of research show that with a considerable duration of the prestart G load pulse, the movement of gas bubbles in the liquid under the action of a G load pulse becomes quasistationary.

show abstract

Analytical approaches for the design of orbital refueling systems

Cited by 4 publications

References 4 publications

Settling time of liquid in tanks under the action of minor overloading

Settling time of liquid in tanks under the action of minor overloading

Experimental evaluation of rational pre-launch acceleration parameters to provide liquid-propellant rocket sustainer engine launch in microgravity

Experimental evaluation of rational parameters of pre-acceleration to ensure liquid sustainer engine launch in zero gravity

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About