Journal of Low Temperature Physics
2020

Investigation on Wicking Performance of Cryogenic Propellants Within Woven Screens Under Different Thermal and Gravity Conditions

Y. Ma, Y.Z. Li, F.S. Xie, J. Li, L. Wang
Xi’an Jiaotong University, Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering, Xi’an, 710049, China

摘要：

In order to investigate the wicking performance of cryogenic propellants within metallic screens for space liquid acquisition devices, a modified one-dimensional macroscopic model is introduced. The model is successfully verified by the experimental data of both isothermal and superheated wicking. Dutch twill weave 200 × 1400 in the warp direction is chosen as the screen object. Three cryogenic propellants such as hydrogen, oxygen and methane are selected as the working fluids. The wicking performances at different thermal conditions (isothermal and superheated) and gravity levels (Earth, Mars, Moon and space) are investigated. Results show that the wicking velocity and maximal wicking height both have a negative correlation with the gravity and superheated degree. The wicking performance deviation between different fluids or different superheated conditions increases as the gravity decreases. LH₂ always has the fastest initial wicking velocity, but its wicking performance rapidly deteriorates to the worst at superheated conditions due to its strongest ability of heat transfer. The wicking performance of LO₂ is the worst at isothermal condition, but becomes better than that of LH₂ at superheated condition. Wicking of LCH₄ always has the largest maximum wicking height and performs the best among the three propellants under the same condition.