Flight Opportunities
Microgravity Propellant Gauging Using Modal Analysis
Project Description
Low gravity propellant mass gauging is identified in NASA’s Exploratory Systems Architecture Study as a primary research challenge. The future of manned spaceflight beyond LEO relies in part on the development of accurate and robust methods of mass gauging in both settled and unsettled propellant states. We propose to utilize parabolic flights to test a novel technique for measuring the mass of liquid contained in a model propellant tank. This work continues under T0147, T0160, and T0191.
June 2015 article after second parabolic flight week: Students go weightless for research" More »
June 2015 article after second parabolic flight week: Students go weightless for research" More »
Anticipated Benefits
By tracking acoustic resonances in propellant tanks, this technology will reduce or eliminate deficits in current propellant tank gauging technologies which will benefit the commercial space industry, future NASA missions, and perhaps the entire nation if the technology is used in aircraft and/or sea-going vessels.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carthage College | Lead Organization | Academia | Kenosha, Wisconsin |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
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Wisconsin
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