Project Title:
Non-Disturbing, Gas-Fraction Meter for Two-Phase Flows in Microgravity
15.02-3800
910403
Non-Disturbing, Gas-Fraction Meter for Two-Phase Flows in Microgravity
Creare, Inc.
P.O. Box 71
Hanover
NH
03755
Christopher J.
Crowley
603-643-3800
LeRC
NAS3-26542
296
15.02-3800
910403
Abstract:
Non-Disturbing, Gas-Fraction Meter for Two-Phase Flows in Microgravity
Two-phase thermal management systems (TMS) and power systems are being developed
for spacecraft because their isothermality and low pressure drop characteristics
lead to significant savings in mass. However, a measurement of gas fraction (or quality)
is needed in order to understand crucial two-phase flow transients in these systems,
to control the system during operational transients, and to understand and model
steady two-phase flow behavior in microgravity. This need has been apparent during
developmental testing of several systems, including Air Force-sponsored research
with a unique two-phase system concept aboard a KC-135 and the pending "STARS Rocket"
microgravity experiment. No instrument presently exists to meet the need for spacecraft
applications. A rugged, reliable instrument based on the capacitance-measurement
approach will be developed. An innovative geometric design of the sensor and design
of high-sensitivity electronics can provide an instrument which can measure transient
gas fraction for fluids of interest under spacecraft microgravity conditions.
This instrument will benefit NASA, the Air Force, and aerospace contractors, enabling
confident design of advanced two-phase systems via measurement of transient fluid
distributions that are crucial to design and operation.
instrument, two-phase, thermal management, quality meter, void fraction