Thesis Defense Announcement

The Herff College of Engineering announces the final thesis defense of

David Pymroy

for the degree of Master of Science

August 26, 2016 at 2:00 pm in 317, Engineering Science Building

Major Advisor: Jeffrey G. Marchetta, PhD

PREFLIGHT SELF-PRESSURIZATION PREDICTIONS OF A RTV-655/AEROGEL CRYOGENIC TANK ON-ORBIT EXPERIMENT

ABSTRACT: A computational model is used to predict self-pressurization in a small scale, RTV-655/Aerogel cryogenic tank. The model uses an Energy of Fluid (EOF) approach to define the liquid-vapor interface by solving the weak form of the energy equation in terms of internal energy. The EOF model accounts for evaporation/condensation phase change and conduction with a given transient boundary heat flux. Simulation results are compared to newly available ground experiment data. The model is subsequently used to predict self-pressurization rates in cryogenic tanks of varying materials for future low gravity experiments being proposed for the International Space Station (ISS).