Numeric al Analyses and Microgravity Experiments concerning Fluid Dynamics un der Microgravity Condition in Vane Type Surface Tension Tank

Numerical analyses of fluid dynamics were carried out in vane type surface tension tank, which installs propellant management device for microgravity condition. Calculation of static menisci by "Surface Evolver" and numerical simulations of dynamic fluid behavior by a simple one-dimensional analytical model and "FLOW-3D" were conducted. These results were evaluated by experimental results in microgravity condition employing drop shaft facility. It was shown that calculated static menisci were consistent with experimental ones. Dynamic fluid behavior agreed well with experimental results in the short period after microgravity condition started. However we have to improve the analytical code because the liquid behavior trapped in the vicinity of the vane couldn't be sufficiently simulated. Space evaluation test were carried out after these calculations and experiments. It was shown that vane type surface tension tank worked successfully in microgravity condition on orbit, and exhaust efficient of fuel was achieved 99.2%.