A report proposes to use electrostriction to manipulate the ullage in a tank containing a dielectric liquid in a microgravitational environment. In the original intended application, the liquid would be a spacecraft propellant and the goal would be to force the ullage (comprising bubbles of noncondensible gas) to coalesce at one end of the tank, to enable use of one of the established means of (1) measuring the position of the gas/liquid interface and (2) inferring the quantity of liquid from the measurement. Electrically insulated wires would be installed in the tank, shaped and positioned so that application of a suitably high potential (e.g., 1 kV) between adjacent wires in successive pairs would give rise to a sufficient electric field gradient along the tank. The resulting electrostriction in the liquid would give rise to a pressure gradient that would force the ullage toward the low-electric-field-magnitude end of the tank. The feasibility of this proposal was demonstrated in an experiment in a tank containing liquid helium aboard an airplane flying a low-gravity arc. The ullage-segregating electrostrictive effect is expected to be considerably greater in other liquids.
This work was done by Talso Chui and Donald Strayer of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
NPO-43041
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Using Electrostriction To Manipulate Ullage in Microgravity
(reference NPO-43041) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Using Electrostriction to Manipulate Ullage in Microgravity" (NPO-43041) is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, aimed at disseminating advancements in aerospace technology with broader applications. It discusses an innovative technology known as the electrostrictive ullage manipulator, which is designed for propellant mass gauging in microgravity environments.
In microgravity, accurately measuring the mass of propellants is crucial for the success of space missions. Traditional methods of gauging propellant mass can be challenging due to the lack of gravitational forces that typically aid in such measurements. The electrostrictive ullage manipulator addresses this challenge by utilizing electrostriction, a phenomenon where materials change shape or dimensions in response to an electric field. This technology allows for the manipulation of the ullage (the space above the liquid in a container) in a controlled manner, enabling more precise measurements of propellant mass.
The document emphasizes the potential applications of this technology not only in space exploration but also in various commercial and scientific fields. By improving the accuracy of propellant measurements, the electrostrictive ullage manipulator could enhance the efficiency and safety of space missions, leading to better resource management and mission planning.
Additionally, the Technical Support Package provides information on how this innovation fits within NASA's Commercial Technology Program, which aims to promote the commercialization of aerospace-related developments. It encourages collaboration and partnerships to further advance the technology and explore its applications beyond the aerospace sector.
The document also includes contact information for the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, offering resources for further research and inquiries related to aerospace technology.
In summary, the document presents a significant advancement in the field of propellant mass gauging in microgravity through the use of electrostriction. It highlights the importance of this technology for future space missions and its potential for broader applications, reinforcing NASA's commitment to innovation and collaboration in aerospace technology development.
