Engineering topics

Hong Q Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Hong Q Yang.

7 records

NASA NTRS2021

Modeling the Effects of Liquid-to-Gas Density Ratio on Slosh Dynamics

Mechanical models are commonly used in Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GN&C) system-level models to represent propellant slosh forces on launch vehicles and spacecraft. The slosh model parameters are typically predicted using semi-empirical analytical methods that are based on experimental data for high liquid-to-gas density ratios (such as water and air at standard sea level conditions). Model parameter calculations typically neglect any contribution to slosh dynamics from the gas phase. However, some cryogenic propellant systems operate in conditions where the density ratio can be orders of magnitude smaller. Analytical and computational modeling was used in this effort to investigate the effects of liquid-to-gas density ratio on slosh dynamics. No experimental data nor previous studies are available at this time that quantify the effect of liquid-to-gas density ratio on slosh dynamics. However, in a recent CFD study, results showed that density ratio can have a significant effect on slosh model parameters. In this study, a dual pendulum slosh model was created that distinctly represents both liquid and gas phase dynamics. Solution of the model, which invokes the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion, demonstrates that slosh frequency is a combination of liquid slosh frequency and gas phase slosh frequency. Additionally, it shows that slosh mass is reduced due to the opposing motion of the gas phase with respect to that of the liquid phase. The slosh model parameter trends were verified using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis results for various liquid-to-gas density ratios, tanks, and fill levels.

Christopher D Moore↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Parabolic Flights in Support of the Ring-Sheared Drop (RSD) Module Aboard the ISS

The Ring-Sheared Drop module was conceived as a centimeter-scale, containerless biochemical reactor to study shearing flow at gas-liquid interfaces without complications associated with solid walls. The drop is constrained by a thin, stationary contact ring in one hemisphere and sheared by the steady rotation of another ring in the other hemisphere. The original experiment considers a 2.5 cm diameter drop of human insulin solution in order to examine the formation of amyloid fibrils without wall nucleation. Shear-induced amyloidogenesis is of wide interest due to the pathogenic role amyloid proteins play in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, prion diseases, and type-2 diabetes. Pinning full-scale drops of native protein solutions - prior to any fibrillization - was challenging and required a collaborative effort. In this talk we report on laboratory experiments, multiphase CFD simulations, and several parabolic flights to find strategies that are effective for constraining large drops of protein in microgravity.

Amir Hirsa↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Validation of Gas-Liquid Sharp Interface Model in Loci-Stream for Propellant Tank Self-pressurization under Normal Gravity

Deep space missions require advances in cryogenic fluid management (CFM) for long term storage of propellants. One of the important phenomena is self-pressurization due to heat leakages into the tank. Managing self-pressurization is one of the key technologies for deep space exploration and long-term space missions. The complex interactions involving natural convection, thermal gradients, turbulence, and phase change near the gas-liquid interface cannot be modeled using reduced order or nodal analysis models, and 3-D CFD analyses are necessary to fully characterize the dynamics. CFD analyses pose their own difficulties. The requisite CFD tool to tackle this problem need to be modular with the ability to incorporate various physics models, efficient, and computationally scalable for simulating flight size tanks. In this paper, we discuss modeling approach for self-pressurization in situations where the liquid interface is static and validate NASA MSFC's Loci-Stream CFD solver for predicting self-pressurization in a test tank in normal gravity. This tank was designed to capture quantifiable and accurate data for understanding various two-phase fluid phenomena and to validate modeling tools. Specifically, we demonstrate the capability of the Loci-Stream solver with a two-phase sharp-interface treatment to predict self-pressurization of a tank with an unperturbed gas-liquid interface. This validation highlights the reliability of our modeling approach and our solver to serve as a design and analysis tool for NASA's CFM application needs.

cryogenic fluid management↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Gas Phase Effects on Slosh Dynamics

Gas phase effects on slosh dynamics were quantified using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for a range of propellant and ullage gas combinations. Historical slosh modeling using potential flow solutions typically neglects gas phase effects. Regardless, the results have been shown to compare well with slosh ground tests typically performed with water and air at standard temperature and pressure. CFD analysis reveals that as the liquid-to-gas density ratio decreases, slosh dynamics change due to the relative increase in gas inertia and thus influence on liquid motion. The result is a profound impact on slosh dynamics over certain parameter spaces particularly for liquid hydrogen. Gas phase effects on slosh dynamics should be considered in slosh models especially for liquid hydrogen propellant tanks.

Jacob M Brodnick↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Validation of Cryogenic Propellant Tank Filling using Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation

The Fluid Dynamics Branch at MSFC has positioned itself to support a wide range of customers in need of Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) analysis. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool used for all manner of internal and external propulsion applications has been extended and refined to better model cryogenic propellant storage and tanking operations. Through the CFM Portfolio project, several validation activities were initiated. Validation of propellant tank self-pressurization, autogenous pressurization, slosh-induced ullage collapse, and jet-induced mixing all aid in defining model accuracy. The on-going validation effort has enabled confident application of the tool to in-line design and evaluation of CFM hardware and operations. Recent project support included defining the impact of in-space slosh dynamics on reaction control system mass for Space Launch System (SLS) upper stages. Propellant mixing strategies were defined to improve performance of a thermal vent system for a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) partner. Design support of in-space maneuvers, tank hardware, and autogenous pressurization operations was also provided through Human Landing System (HLS) collaboration work. The branch has engaged the CFM community to share recent findings and capabilities through several forums including conferences, technical interchange meetings, and workshops. Development and demonstration of CFM modeling capabilities continues in this work on the no-vent fill of propellant tank in micro-gravity to meet the needs of NASA and its industry partners in the endeavor to sustainably reach the Moon and beyond.

CFD↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Gas Phase Effects on Slosh Dynamics

Gas phase effects on slosh dynamics were quantified using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for a range of propellant and gas combinations. Historical slosh modeling using potential flow solutions typically neglects gas phase effects. Regardless, the results have been shown to compare well with slosh ground tests typically performed with water and air at standard temperature and pressure. CFD analysis reveals that as the liquid-to-gas density ratio decreases, slosh dynamics change due to the relative increase in gas inertia and thus influence on liquid motion. The result is a profound impact on slosh dynamics over certain parameter spaces particularly for liquid hydrogen. Gas phase effects on slosh dynamics should be considered in slosh models especially for liquid hydrogen propellant tanks.

Jacob M Brodnick↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Gas Phase Effects on Slosh Dynamics

Jacob M Brodnick↗