AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF REDUCED-GRAVITY PROPELLANT SETTLING

摘要

A study was performed to define full-scale propellant reorientation flow dynamics for the D-1T Centaur fuel lank. A computer code using the Simplified Marker and Cell technique was modified to include the capability for a variable grid mesh configuration. The use of smaller cells near the boundary, near baffles and in corners provides improved Sow resolution. The now program, structured in overlay, is more efficient in core usage and is suitable for larger size problems. Three Lewis Research Center drop tower model eases were simulated to verify program validity, two cases without baffles and one case with baffles and geometry identical to D-1T Centaur. Flow phenomena using the one code successfully modeled drop tower data. Flow trajectories off the baffles exhibited depend¬ence on initial Quid location in relation to the bema and on initial Sow velocity. Two full-scale D-1T Centaur cases were then stimuli d using parameters based on the Centaur D-1T Proof Flight. Those flow simulations indicated the time to clear the vent area and an indication of tii.10 to reorient and collect the propellant. The results further indicated the complexity of the reorientation flow and the long time period which is required for settling. These full-scale numerical results agreed with the extrapolation from drop tower data.