Measurement of tank level, particularly for cryogenic propellants, has proven to be a difficult proposition. Current methods based on differential pressure, capacitance sensors, temperature sensors, etc.; do not provide sufficiently accurate or robust measurements, especially at run time. This paper describes a simple, but effective method to determine propellant volume by measuring very small deformations of the structure supporting the tank. Results of a laboratory study to validate the method, and experimental data from a deployed system are presented. A comparison with an existing differential pressure sensor shows that the strain gage system provides a very good quality signal even during pressurization.


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    Title :

    Strain Gage Measurement System to Determine Cryogenic Propellant Tank Level


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    39th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference ; 2003 ; Huntsville, AL, United States


    Publication date :

    2003-07-20


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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