Numerical Dynamic Characterization of a Xenon Satellite Propellant Tank Employing Discrete Element Spheres

The ecological emergency makes the use of cryogenic or supercritical fluids more and more relevant. However, experimental tests and associated modelling of those liquids dynamic vibratory behaviour remain extremely challenging. Indeed, security, control and conditioning are critical issues due to the intrinsic fluid instabilities. Among those fluids, liquid hydrogen and supercritical xenon are both highly used in the spatial propulsion domain. Because of their hazardous behaviour, only few experimental dynamic tests have been performed to improve the knowledge of their behaviour inside a vibrating tank.