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Modal Propellant Gauging in Microgravity Testing
Completed
TRL 5 (started at 5, targeting 5)
Description
The Modal Propellant Gauging (MPG) experiment is designed to assess the mass gauging resolution of a novel implementation of experimental modal analysis (EMA). The central objectives of the MPG experiment are to (1) record the modal response of a model propellant tank at different fill-levels under unsettled, microgravity conditions, and (2) record the modal response of the propellant tank during simulated propellant transfer. This work is a continuation of
T0123.
Benefits
By tracking acoustic resonances in propellant tanks, this technology will reduce or eliminate deficits in current propellant tank gauging technologies which will benefit the commercial space industry, future NASA missions, and perhaps the entire nation if the technology is used in aircraft and/or sea-going vessels.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Chemical Space Propulsion > Integrated Systems and Ancillary Technologies |
| Program | Flight Opportunities (FO) |
| Lead organization | Carthage College, Kenosha, WI |
| Start date | 2015-06-01 |
| End date | 2017-08-14 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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