Simulation Analysis of Liquid Flow in a Vane-type Surface Tension Tank

With the development of space technology, space missions are becoming more and more complex, which puts forward higher requirements for the service life and anti-interference ability of fuel tanks. Due to its lightweight, long service life, and easy processing, the vane-type surface tension tank has been more and more widely used. The vane-type tank enables propellant management with surface tension, however the surface tension is weak. As a result, the control ability of the propellant is limited, which is not suitable for high dynamic maneuvering conditions. This problem limits the development of the vane-type tank and the expansion of mission scenarios. In order to further enhance the propellant management ability of the vane-type surface tension tank, this paper numerically investigated the influence of the T-shaped vane and the perforated vane on propellant management. By applying different boundary conditions, its liquid control ability under complex working conditions is checked. The results show that the T-shaped vane can obviously enhance the liquid transport ability of the tank; the perforated vane can significantly reduce weight, however it weakens the liquid transport ability. The work of this paper can be used to guide the design of the vane-type surface tension tank and has certain guiding significance for the improvement of propellant management performance.