Celebration of Scholars
Modal Propellant Gauging in Reduced Gravity Environments
Name:
Megan Janiak
Major: Physics and Chemistry
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
Faculty Sponsor: Kevin Crosby
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Independent research
Funding: WSGC and NASA Flight Opportunities
Abstract
Low-gravity propellant gauging remains a “critical-path” technology challenge on NASA’s roadmap for deep space exploration. Current gauging inaccuracies represent a significant economic obstacle to continued expansion of the commercial satellite market, accounting for billions of dollars lost annually in revenue due to high propellant margins and end-of-life requirements on satellite disposal. The Modal Propellant Gauging (MPG) project is a computationally inexpensive, non-invasive method of gauging low-gravity propellant in both sloshing and settled propellant. This technology vibrates a tank using PZT actuators, creating surface waves on the tank walls. Sensors monitor the response frequency from the tank, which can be correlated to various fill fractions by computing a Frequency Response Function. MPG has been flight tested on both parabolic flight campaigns and suborbital rocket missions and achieves gauging resolutions that meet or exceed those of existing technologies. At a current TRL of 6, MPG is a candidate technology for gauging propellant on the Orion Service Module. The work on this project is ongoing and a suborbital rocket mission is set to launch this upcoming summer.Submit date: March 19, 2018, 9:01 p.m.