Two-Phase Flow Modeling of Cryogenic Loading Operations

Abstract

We consider problem of modeling and controlling two-phase cryogenic flows during ground loading operations. We introduce homogeneous moving front and separated two-phase flow solvers that are capable of fast and accurate online predictions of flow dynamics during chilldown and transfer under nominal conditions and in the presence of faults. Concise sets of cryogenic correlations are proposed in each case. We present results of application of proposed solvers to the analysis of chilldown in large-scale experimental cryogenic transfer line build in Kennedy Space Center. We discuss optimization of parameters of cryogenic models obtained using general inferential framework and an application of the solvers to the fault detection and evaluation based on D-matrix approach. It is shown that solver's predictions are in good agreement with experimental data obtained for liquid nitrogen flow in nominal regime and in the presence of faults.