This paper describes the cryogenic testing and analysis that has recently been completed as part of a multi-year effort to develop a new, more robust and operable LO2 propellant conditioning system. Phase 1 of the program consisted of feasibility demonstrations ot four novel propellant conditioning concepts. A no-bleed, passive propellant conditioning option was shown for the first time to successfully provide desired propellant inlet conditions. The benefits of passive conditioning are reduced operations costs, decreased hardware costs, enhanced operability and increased reliability on future expendable launch vehicles In Phase 2 of the test program, effects of major design parameters were studied and design correlation for future vehicle design were developed. Simultaneously, analytical models were developed and validated. Over 100 tests were conducted with a full-scale feedline using LN2 as the test fluid. A circulation pump provided a range of pressure and flow conditions. The test results showed that the passive propellant conditioning system is insensitive to variations in many of the parameters. The test program provides the validation necessary to incorporate the passive conditioning system into the baseline of future vehicles. Modeling of these systems using computational fluid dynamics seems highly promising.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Advances in LO2 Propellant Conditioning


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Joint Propulsion ; 1994 ; Indianapolis, IN, United States


    Publication date :

    1994-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Advances in LO2 Propellant Conditioning

    Mehta, G. / Orth, M. / Stone, W. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994



    Advances in LO2 propellant conditioning. II

    Mehta, Gopal / Hastings, Joseph / Perry, Gretchen et al. | AIAA | 1995


    Centaur propellant thermal conditioning system

    BLATT, M. / AYDELOTT, J. | AIAA | 1977


    Cryogenic propellant prestart conditioning for NLS

    GAYNOR, T. / MERLIN, M. / GAUTNEY, T. | AIAA | 1992