1. Engine startup with a reduced level of cryogenic propellants under microgravity conditions.
- Author
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Song, Zhengyu, Zhang, Qingsong, Wang, Cong, Yuan, He, and Li, Jinglin
- Subjects
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REDUCED gravity environments , *FLUID dynamics , *FLUID control , *PROPELLANTS , *PRESSURE drop (Fluid dynamics) , *ARTIFICIAL satellite launching - Abstract
For missions that involve launching satellites into sun-synchronous orbits, the load-carrying capacity can be improved by regulating the time distribution of different flight phases if a transfer orbit is planned. However, this will shorten the last burn time of the engines. This paper introduces the technologies to ensure a reliable engine restart after coasting when only a reduced level of propellants is left. The influence mechanism of different flight profiles on the carrying capacity is analyzed first. Then a joint simulation method integrating the attitude control and fluid dynamics is proposed that can accurately analyze the sloshing features of the cryogenic propellants and their influences under microgravity conditions. Finally, a guidance method is studied that eliminates the attitude deviations at the shutdown time of the first burn to suppress additional propellant sloshing during the follow-up coasting phase. The high-fidelity simulation system reveals the feasibility of a low level scenario, and with the action of the updated guidance method, the pressure drop can be controlled as needed and the sloshing can be well restrained, matching the existing pressurization ability and requirements for re-ignitions of engines. These technologies are applied in the successful launch of the LM-8/Y2 mission, in which the performance improvement is verified. • The performance improving mechanism by allocating times of flight phases is revealed. • A complete solution to a shallow startup under microgravity conditions is sorted out. • A high-fidelity joint simulation system with control/fluid dynamics is well modeled. • Innovative powered flight guidance is proposed to meet terminal attitude constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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