Simulation and analysis of propellant transfer control in on-orbit refueling

Abstract

Propellant transfer control in microgravity is the key problems of on-orbit refueling. The paper proposes a simultaneously vented refueling technique to control the propellant transfer. Establishes numeric model to calculate the process of propellant filling, and that the results can satisfy the requirement of on-orbit refueling. When the propellant transfers into the tank, it is needs to control the fluid-flow with propellant management device. The paper uses VOF model to simulate the propellant filling process in the vane-type surface tension tank. The stability of propellant fluid correlates with Weber number. As the results of simulation, the propellant management device in the tank can increase the Weber number then make the fluid-flow stable. Compares to the VTRE test results, the simulation results makes good agreement.