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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Propellant slosh causes stability problems in both launch vehicles and in-space stages. Traditionally baffles are distributed through the propellat tank to limit slosh. This project investigates low density dampers designed to float on the surface of the propellant. The advantage is that the damper is always at the propellant surface where the slosh occurs whereas floating dampers that are significantly under or above the surface have little effect. So fixed dampers are only effective during the time in flight when the fluid level is near the damper.
Floating dampers have the potential to reduce vehicle weight consequently allowing greater payloads to be delivered.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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