Propellant Transfer Utilizing Cyclonic Separation in a Microgravity

Environment

Members Arber ShametajElectrical Engineering

Carlos Diaz Mechanical Engineering

Andrew Tse Mechanical Engineering

Ka Fung Chin Electrical Engineering

Peter Gomes Electrical Engineering

Introduction Microgravity research program

Flight on NASA C-9 “Weightless Wonder”

Collaboration with NASA Engineers

Experiment

Result of experiment

Future plans

Conclusion

Allows participants to conduct Microgravity research

Teaches participants fundamentals of Engineering in a reduced gravity

environment

Educates participants in the inner workings of NASA

Internship, Co-op and Job opportunities

Microgravity participants take precedence over other candidates

Program Details

“Weightless Wonder” Platform2 Flights

60 parabolas total20 to 30 seconds of

microgravityNASA C-9 aircraft

Courtesy of NASA

“Weightless Wonder” Platform

This flight maneuver has been used for over 40 years

Microgravity Experience

Experiment2D Tank

Observe Cyclone rotating about longitudinal axis

Achieved by injecting water tangent to the wall & parallel to floor.

Drained in 2g.

Recirculation Pump

Recirculation Pump

Vent

Drain

Vent

Drain

3D Tank Observe Cyclone rotating about

longitudinal & latitudinal axis Achieved by injecting water

tangent to the wall & 45 angle ̊� Drained in 2g.

ExperimentTransfer System

3D Cyclone used to separate water and gasSecondary pump used to extract fluid from walls of tank

Recirculation Pump

Vent

Transfer Pump

Transfer Outlet

Results2D cyclone successfully separates

gas and liquid. At different gas to liquid ratios, cyclone able to separate the gas and liquid

Some liquid was successfully transferred throughout the system. Avoiding transferring gas bubbles unsuccessful

3D cyclone successfully separates gas and liquid. At different gas to liquid ratios, cyclone able to separate the gas and liquid

Thank you