Recently, the ESA started the development of the successor for the Ariane 5 launcher system, the Ariane 6. In this context, previously discussed but never realized technologies get attention again. This applies to common bulkhead cryogenic fuel tank geometries for upper stages, which are also further investigated in this paper. Requirements for a lightweight and space-saving design face complex thermodynamic phenomena, heavy mechanical loads, and high temperature gradients. To quickly assess different geometries in terms of their thermal characteristics throughout a complete mission into geostationary Earth orbit, a computer program that calculates relevant quantities within a few minutes was developed. This program was verified with measurements of two different demonstrator tanks. Its results show good agreement with measurement data for several phases of flight and therefore qualify the method to be used for predictions. The program was then applied to simulate a full-size sandwich common bulkhead tank, applicable for a typical Ariane 6 geostationary Earth orbit mission.
Investigation of Thermal Characteristics of Sandwich Common Bulkhead Equipped Launcher Tank
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 54 , 1 ; 67-74
2016-09-15
8 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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