Transform the Trajectory of a Student’s Life: Support ARCS’ Fishing Rod Internship Program



Transform the Trajectory of a Student’s Life: Support ARCS’ Fishing Rod Internship Program



CSUN ARCS

Research Project

In-Space Propellant Tank Venting

(Concept Development and Feasibility Study for In-Space Propellant Tank Venting)

Research Team

Lead Researchers 

  • Dr. Vinicius Sauer, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • Dr. Bingbing Li, Associate Professor, Manufacturing Systems Engineering
  • Dr. Nhut Ho, Mechanical Engineering

Collaborators

  • Dr. Matthew E. Taliaferro, Dr. Samuel R. Darr, and Dr. Paul D. Lee at The Aerospace Corporation

Student Team

  • Cole Millett, M.S. Mechanical Engineering*
  • Alejandro Piscione, B.S. Mechanical Engineering*
  • Carl Bejosano
  • Nathan Gabriel
  • Jesus Sanchez
  • Jessica Vasquez

Note: names marked with an asterisk (*) indicate current students

Funding

  • Funding Organization: The Aerospace Corporation

SYNOPSIS

To achieve a propellant management system capable of retaining the liquid
propellant while venting ullage, the following approach is being taken:

  • The development of an analytical model to predict the performance of a new type of screen channel liquid acquisition device (LAD).

  • Validating the analytical model by comparing it with existing data and computational fluid dynamic simulations.

  • Collecting experimental data for new screen channel LAD design.

Abstract

In preparation for future missions where in-space propellant transfer is desired, the need has arisen to develop an effective venting solution for propellant tanks that do not contain a bladder or diaphragm and do not implement a settling maneuver before venting. One primary concern is the ability to effectively vent the ullage fluid of these tanks without propellant loss through the vent system. Isolating propellant from the ullage fluid during a vent operation without a settling maneuver requires additional design elements for the tank and vent system. This design should be robust enough for varying fill levels of the propellant tank. Additionally, differing propellant management devices (PMDs) will have design constraints regarding propellant filling operations (e.g., flow rate) that must be considered regarding the performance of the vent system solution.
Motivation/Research Problem
As space travel extends to greater duration and distance, missions may require a propellant refill in space. To achieve this, spacecraft may require larger tanks, efficient refueling, and tanks capable of isolating propellant from ullage fluid (a gas and vapor mixture) during a vent. The goal of this research is to develop a novel solution for the venting of ullage contents from a partially full propellant tank in microgravity with minimal losses.
Research Team

Lead Researchers 

  • Prof. Bingbing Li, Department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management
  • Prof. Christoph Schaal, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Collaborators

  • NASA JPL: Dr. Douglas Hoffman, Dr. Richard Otis, Dr. Ryan Watkins, Dr. Bryan McEnerney
  • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: Ryan McClelland at Instrument Systems and Technology
  • UCLA: Dr. Xiaochun Li, Dr. Morris Wang
  • Honeywell Aerospace: Gregory Colvin, Bob DeMers
  • Castheon Inc: Dr. Youping Gao, Mr. Steve James
  • ASTM Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE): Mr. Shane Collins
  • SimInsights Inc: Mr. Rajesh Jha
  • El Camino College: Mr. Jose Anaya

Student Team

  • Dr. Changyu Ma, Postdoc in ARCS at CSUN
  • Donald Palomino, Fellow, M.S. candidate in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at CSUN
  • Paula Logozzo, Fellow, undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering at CSUN
  • Elliot Sadler, Fellow, M.S. candidate in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at CSUN
  • Bodia Borijin, Intern, B.S. candidate in Structural Engineering at UCSD
  • Andrew Wang, Intern, Portola High School

Funding

  • Funding Organization: NASA
  • Funding Program: MUREP Aerospace High-Volume Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (MUREP High Volume), Grant number: 80NSSC22M0132
Image of diagrams and graphs
Alignment, Engagement and Contributions to the priorities of NASA’s Mission Directorates
Aligned with NASA STMD mission.
Research Objectives

  • The presence of unwanted vapor, known as ullage, in spacecraft propellant storage tanks proves to be an issue preventing deep space exploration.

  • The presence of vapor propellant leads to over-pressurization of the fuel tanks onboard and less range of travel.

  • The goal of this project is to innovate existing propellant management devices that prevent liquid from being extracted with the ullage.

Research Methods

Enhance propellant management systems’ performance by:

  • Adding converging and diverging effects to channel.

  • Adding varying permeability to the screen via 3D printing

Research Deliverables and Products

  • Image 1 shows a screen channel LAD inside of a typical spacecraft’s fuel tank.

  • Image 2 shows a concentrated view of the screen channel LAD. It is composed of a screened face on the top, 4 solid walls, and an outlet.

  • Image 3 shows the validation of our numerical solution, and the solution provided by literature.

Commercialization Opportunities

  • Application: In-space propellant transfer.

  • Key Values: Enhance liquid propellant retention in spacecraft.

  • Potential Customers: Aerospace industry.

Research Timeline

Start Date: 3/1/2024
End Date: 2/28/2025

Research Team

Lead Researchers 

  • Dr. Vinicius Sauer, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
  • Dr. Bingbing Li, Associate Professor, Manufacturing Systems Engineering
  • Dr. Nhut Ho, Mechanical Engineering

Collaborators

  • Dr. Matthew E. Taliaferro, Dr. Samuel R. Darr, and Dr. Paul D. Lee at The Aerospace Corporation

Student Team

  • Cole Millett, M.S. Mechanical Engineering*
  • Alejandro Piscione, B.S. Mechanical Engineering*
  • Carl Bejosano
  • Nathan Gabriel
  • Jesus Sanchez
  • Jessica Vasquez

Note: names marked with an asterisk (*) indicate current students

Funding

  • Funding Organization: The Aerospace Corporation