Modeling and prediction of magnetic reorientation and storage of cyrogenic propellants in reduced gravity

Recent advances in magnet technology suggest that magnetic positive positioning (MPP) of liquids may become a viable technology for use in spacecraft cryogenic propellant management systems. A computational simulation is used to model magnetically induced cryogenic propellant flows in reduced gravity. Simulations of the magnetic reorientation and storage of cryogenic propellants are presented and evaluated. The influence of the magnetic field and its feasibility for use in each respective application is explored. The magnetic Bond number is utilized as a predictive correlating parameter for investigating these processes. A model is developed and conclusions are drawn concerning the importance of self-gravitation in reduced gravity fluid applications. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that magnetic fields may be an attractive option for positive positioning of cryogenic propellants in future spacecraft systems and the hypothesis that the magnetic Bond number is an effective dimensionless parameter for modeling such systems.