文档介绍：43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit AIAA 2005-1143
10 - 13 January 2005, Reno, Nevada
A Tank Self-Pressurization Experiment
Using a Model Fluid in Normal Gravity
Stephen Barsi∗ Mohammad Kassemi†
Case Western Reserve University National Center for Microgravity Research
Charles H. Panzarella‡ J. Iwan D. Alexander§
Ohio Aerospace Institute Case Western Reserve University
The self-pressurization rate of a cryogenic storage tank has important design conse-
quences for propellant and life support systems currently being planned for long duration
space missions. The amount of liquid in the tank and the heat leak rate and distribution
can all have an effect on the pressurization rate. To investigate these effects, a model fluid
experiment is undertaken in normal gravity. Experimental results show, after undergo-
ing an initial transience, the tank pressure increases at a uniform rate. Moreover, the
data reveals that the thermal inertia of the tank wall cannot be neglected in the present
study. Consequently, a thermodynamic model that includes these wall effects is devel-
oped. Comparisons show excellent agreement between the pressurization rate predicted
by the thermodynamic model and the empirically obtained pressurization rate when the
heat is added to the liquid, but discrepancies arise when heat is added directly to the
vapor. The thermodynamic model also fails to capture the initial pressure behavior of the
system as well as the effect of heat distribution on the pressurization rate. To resolve these
ings, more putational models are required.
Nomenclature
c Specific heat capacity, J/kg K
e Specific internal energy, J/kg
k Thermal conductivity, W/m K
L Latent heat, J/kg
p Pressure, Pa
Q˙ Heater power, W
R Gas constant, J/kg K
T Temperature, K
t Time, s
V Volume, m3
ρ Density, kg/m3
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l Liquid