Reduced Gravity Experiments to Advance CFD Boiling Models for Cryogenic Fluid Management Systems

The Reduced Gravity Experiments to Advance Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Boiling Models for Cryogenic Fluid Management Systems experiment aims to develop predictive simulations of boiling heat transfer. Over three parabolic flights, the experiments will leverage novel imaging techniques developed at MIT that include backlit shadowgraphy and light-emitting diode (LED) internal reflection combined with a transparent electrically conductive oxide heater. Data collected will support the development of CFD models for propellant boil-off, chilldown times, and the sizing and design of propellant systems for microgravity environments.

Problem Statement 
Phase change in cryogenic propellants is inevitable and its accurate modeling is critical for future long-duration, crewed space missions. Mission designers currently lack robust, validated CFD models of cryogenic fluid storage or transfer in reduced gravity that would offer predictive simulations of boiling heat transfer.Poor boiling models lead to higher margins in launch propellant and safety considerations, leading both to higher launch mass and cost.Simulations like this would support the optimal design of propellant systems. 

Technology Maturation 
MIT has already demonstrated the feasibility of leveraging backlit shadowgraphy and total internal reflection (TIR)to visualize and measure fundamental boiling parameters such as nucleation site densities, bubble departure diameters,as well as frequencies and characteristics of the microlayers and bubble footprints in a lab environment. Parabolic flight tests will demonstrate the cryogenic fuel boiloff simulation in microgravity, maturing the technology to TRL 6.

Summary of Flight Test
2022-11-15 We have conducted experiments to study the boiling of cryogenic fluids using special diagnostics that allow to image the boiling process at the micro-scale in time and space. The results of these experiments are crucial to understand the behavior of cryogenic fuels in micro-gravity conditions, and will enable the design and development of future in-space cryogenic storage and transfer systems.
2023-11-28 & 2024-02-26 We have conducted experiments to study the boiling of cryogenic fluids using special diagnostics that allow to image the boiling process at the micro-scale in time and space. The results of these experiments are crucial to understand the behavior of cryogenic fuels in micro-gravity conditions, and will enable the design and development of future in-space cryogenic storage and transfer systems.

This demonstration supports the development of computational fluid dynamics models for the design of cryogenic propellant systems in microgravity. Data collected during this flight campaign would optimize spacecraft resource usage by providing propellant system designers with predictions for boiloff and chilldown. This is particularly crucial for future long-duration crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. This would benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.

Future Customers
•Future NASA missions, including Artemis
•Commercial space exploration missions
•Lunar propellant transfer stations

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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