Flight Opportunities
Reduced Gravity Experiments to Advance CFD Boiling Models for Cryogenic Fluid Management Systems
Project Description
The Reduced Gravity Experiments to Advance Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Boiling Models for Cryogenic Fluid Management Systems experiment aims to develop predictive simulations of boiling heat transfer. Over three parabolic flights, the experiments will leverage novel imaging techniques developed at MIT that include backlit shadowgraphy and light-emitting diode (LED) internal reflection combined with a transparent electrically conductive oxide heater. Data collected will support the development of CFD models for propellant boil-off, chilldown times, and the sizing and design of propellant systems for microgravity environments.
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Anticipated Benefits
This demonstration supports the development of computational fluid dynamics models for the design of cryogenic propellant systems in microgravity. Data collected during this flight campaign would optimize spacecraft resource usage by providing propellant system designers with predictions for boiloff and chilldown. This is particularly crucial for future long-duration crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. This would benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Lead Organization | Industry | Cambridge , Massachusetts |
| Combustion Research and Flow Technology | Supporting Organization | Industry | Pipersville, Pennsylvania |
| Creare, LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Hanover, New Hampshire |
Glenn Research Center
(GRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Supporting Organization | Academia | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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Massachusetts
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Ohio
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Pennsylvania
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