Fluid Mechanics of Zero G Propellant Transfer in Spacecraft Propulsion Systems

The basic requirement of a transfer system of storable propellants is to provide propellant in sufficient quantity to assure proper engine operation. Various vehicle motions, such as rotational maneuvers, may result in dislocation of propellant from the tank outlet region, thus changing flow rates and mixture ratios and causing impaired performance. In this paper a promising method of propellant relocation, settling by means of an induced gravitational field, is considered.