When transferring propellant in space, it is most efficient to transfer single phase liquid from a propellant tank to an engine. In earth's gravity field or under acceleration, propellant transfer is fairly simple. However, in low gravity, withdrawing single-phase fluid becomes a challenge. A variety of propellant management devices (PMD) are used to ensure single-phase flow. One type of PMD, a liquid acquisition device (LAD) takes advantage of capillary flow and surface tension to acquire

more »

... d. Previous experimental test programs conducted at NASA have collected LAD data for a number of cryogenic fluids, including: liquid nitrogen (LN 2 ), liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid hydrogen (LH 2 ), and liquid methane (LCH 4 ). The present work reports on additional testing with sub-cooled LOX as part of NASA's continuing cryogenic LAD development program. Test results extend the range of LOX fluid conditions examined, and provide insight into factors affecting predicting LAD bubble point pressures. Nomenclature D p Pore diameter (inch) ΔP BP Bubble point pressure (inch H 2 O) ρ Fluid density (lb/ft 3 ) σ Surface tension (Lb/in) υ Kinematic viscosity (ft 2 /sec) θ c Fluid contact angle (degree) I.