Exact Thermodynamic Solution of Gas Behavior in Propellant Tanks and Storage Capsules During Pressurization

Year 2025, Volume: 28 Issue: 1, 7 - 16, 01.03.2025

Mahdi Mohseni

Abstract

The gas properties, particularly the pressure within the propellant tanks of a liquid-fueled rocket, play an essential role in the performance of the propulsion system. This study examines the thermodynamic behavior of the gas inside the propellant tanks and gas storage capsules of a class of pressurized systems. To this end, the governing thermodynamic equations were extracted, and exact thermodynamic solutions for the changes in the gas properties were obtained. The changes in the gas properties have been studied during the whole operation of the propulsion system, i.e. in the pre-pressurization period and before and after the gas cut-off time. A comparison of the analytical modelling results with the experimental data indicates a good agreement between the two, with the total mass of gas required for tank pressurization being approximately 4% higher than the experimental data. Additionally, the approximate changes in the throat area of the pressure-reducing valve were obtained. The simple thermodynamic model developed in this study allows for the rapid design and observation of the pressurization system's performance.

Keywords

liquid fuel rocket, propulsion system, pressurization system, thermodynamic modeling, analytical solution, gas behavior

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