Energy Dissipation of Liquids in Nutating Spherical Tanks Measured by a Forced Motion-Spin Table

摘要

A specially constructed drive table is described that can spin and nutate scale-model propellant tanks. Results of typical tests are given in which the liquid resonant frequencies and liquid forces and moments are presented as a function of spin rate, nutation frequency, nutation cone angle, liquid filling level, and liquid viscosity. Also described is an empirical mechanical model composed of a pendulum, a rotor, and dashpots that simulate the liquid resonances (slosh and inertial waves) and the liquid forces and moments. The parameters of the model are determined from the propellant motions.