← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The proposed novel method of slosh damping may both reduce the cost of the design and manufacture of propellant tanks, but also increase the performance of the launch vehicle through reduced weight and improved vehicle control. The objective of this proposal is to develop, test, and analyze the innovative concept of a floating slosh damper consisting of hollow spheres. Investigate the effects of sphere diameter, material, and number of layers for effectiveness of slosh control.
There is a need for propellant tank slosh dampers that have lower weight, reduced complexity, and reduced development effort. The purpose of the proposed work is to investigate the effectiveness and performance advantages of floating slosh dampers for achieving these goals. The standard method for damping fuel slosh in propellant tanks is a set of baffles. However, these add significant weight, design and analysis work, and manufacturing complexity to a propellant tank. For example, the weight of the Space Launch System Core Stage Liquid Oxygen (LOX) tank baffling is estimated at over 2000 lbs. and involves 6000 parts. This equates to about 3.4 lbs. of baffles per square foot of fluid surface area.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.