Abstract This paper focuses on the stability of capillary forced flow. In space, open capillary channels are widely used as the liquid and gas separation devices to manage liquid positioning and transportation. Surface collapse happens when the flow rate exceeds the critical value, leading to a failure of propellant management. Knowledge of flow rate limitation is of great significance in design and optimization of propellant management devices （PMDs）. However, the capillary flow rate limitation in an asymmetry channel has not been studied yet in the literature. In this paper, by introducing an equivalent angle to convert the asymmetry corner to a symmetry one, the one-dimensional theoretical model is developed. The flow rate limitation can then be investigated as a function of the channel geometry as well as liquid property based on the model. Comparisons between the asymmetry and symmetry channels bring forth the characteristics of the two kinds of channels, and demonstrate good accordance between the new advanced model and the existing one in the literature. This theoretical model can provide valuable reference for PMD designers.
The flame-holding mechanism in hypersonic propulsion technology is the most important factor in prolonging the duration time of hypersonic vehicles.The two-dimensional coupled implicit Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations,the shear-stress transport k-ω turbulence model and the finite-rate/eddy-dissipation reaction models were used to simulate the combustion flow field of a typical strut-based scramjet combustor.We investigated the effects of the hydrogen-air reaction mechanism and fuel injection temperature and pressure on the parametric distributions in the combustor.The numerical results show qualitative agreement with the experimental data.The hydrogen-air reaction mechanism makes only a slight difference in parametric distributions along the walls of the combustor,and the expansion waves and shock waves exist in the combustor simultaneously.Furthermore,the expansion wave is formed ahead of the shock wave.A transition occurs from the shock wave to the normal shock wave when the injection pressure or temperature increases,and the reaction zone becomes broader.When the injection pressure and temperature both increase,the waves are pushed out of the combustor with subsonic flows.When the waves are generated ahead of the strut,the separation zone is formed in double near the walls of the combustor because of the interaction of the shock wave and the boundary layer.The separation zone becomes smaller and disappears with the disappearance of the shock wave.Because of the horizontal fuel injection,the vorticity is generated near the base face of the strut,and this region is the main origin for turbulent combustion.
The high angle of attack characteristics play an important role in the aerodynamic performances of the hypersonic space vehicle. The three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and the two-equation RNG k-? turbulence model have been employed to investigate the influence of the high angle of attack on the lift-to-drag ratio and the flow field characteristics of the hypersonic space vehicle, and the contributions of each component to the aerodynamic forces of the vehicle have been discussed as well. At the same time, in order to validate the numerical method, the predicted results have been compared with the available experimental data of a hypersonic slender vehicle, and the grid independency has been analyzed. The obtained results show that the predicted lift-to-drag ratio and pitching moment coefficient show very good agreement with the experimental data in the open literature, and the grid system makes only a slight difference to the numerical results. There exists an optimal angle of attack for the aerodynamic performance of the hypersonic space vehicle, and its value is 20°. When the angle of attack is 20°, the high pressure does not leak from around the leading edge to the upper surface. With the further increasing of the angle of attack, the high pressure spreads from the wing tips to the central area of the vehicle, and overflows from the leading edge again. Further, the head plays an important role in the drag performance of the vehicle, and the lift percentage of the flaperon is larger than that of the rudderevator. This illustrates that the optimization of the flaperon configuration is a great work for the improvement of the aerodynamic performance of the hypersonic space vehicle, especially for a high lift-to-drag ratio.
To comprehensively assess fi＇actionated spacecraft, an assessment tool is developed based on lifecycle simulation under uncertainty driven by modular evolutionary stochastic models. First, fractionated spacecraft nomenclature and architecture are clarified, and assessment criteria are analyzed. The mean and standard deviation of risk adjusted lifecycle cost and net present value （NPV） are defined as assessment metrics. Second, fractionated spacecraft sizing models are briefly described, followed by detailed discussion on risk adjusted lifecycle cost and NPV models. Third, uncertainty sources over fractionated spacecraft life- cycle are analyzed and modeled with probability theory. Then the chronological lifecycle simulation process is expounded, and simulation modules are developed with object oriented methodology to build up the assessment tool. The preceding uncertainty models are integrated in these simulation modules, hence the random object status can be simulated and evolve with lifecycle timeline. A case study to investigate the fractionated spacecraft for a hypothetical earth observation mission is carried out with the proposed assessment tool, and the results show that fractionation degree and launch manifest have great influence on cost and NPV, and generally fractionated spacecraft is more advanced than its monolithic counterpart under uncertainty effect. Finally, some conclusions are given and future research topics are highlighted.
