Investigation on cryo-wicking performance within metallic weaves under superheated conditions for screen channel liquid acquisition devices (LADs)

Abstract

In order to investigate the wicking performance of cryogenic propellants within metallic screens for space liquid acquisition devices (LADs), a vertical wicking experiment was carried out in a one-species test system with liquid nitrogen (LN2). Screens of Dutch twill weave (DTW) type 200 × 1400 were tested in both warp and shute directions. Two different degrees of superheat (∼2 K and ∼25 K) were achieved with a novel porous cooling shield element. A modified one-dimensional macroscopic model is proposed which considers the thermal effect of the solid weave and the vapor environment. Good agreement with experimental data is achieved. Results show that the cryo-wicking process is sensitive to the superheat condition. The wicking velocity as well as the maximum wicking height decreases with increasing superheat. For the same superheat condition, the wicking velocity was always higher in the warp direction than that in the shute direction.