SwRI: Space Fluids Engineering. SwRI understands the behavior of fluids in microgravity environments, such as space, for an array of applications

 

 image of SwRI-designed compression mass gauge to measure the quantity of cryogenic liquid propellant in a spacecraft tank image of SwRI-designed compression mass gauge to measure the quantity of cryogenic liquid propellant in a spacecraft tank

 

SwRI engineers designed a compression mass gauge to measure the quantity of cryogenic liquid propellant in a spacecraft tank. Laboratory tests showed the gauge to be more effective than conventional methods for determining liquid levels in microgravity.

The use of fluids in microgravity environments poses unique and complex problems. A comprehensive understanding of fluid behavior in space can significantly aid in space travel and better design of flight hardware. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists and engineers have studied the behavior of fluids in microgravity environments for an array of applications.


SwRI has utilized both ground hardware testing and flight article experiments. This work has supported functions such as:

  • Space vehicle operation

  • Extended-flight propellant production

  • Satellite deployment

image of experimental parts designed and fabricated by SwRI engineers; the Liquid Motion Experiment (LME) was tested aboard the space shuttle Atlantis

image of the testing of the Liquid Motion Experiment (LME) aboard the space shuttle Atlantis
Photo courtesy of NASA Johnson Space Center

Designed and fabricated by SwRI engineers, the Liquid Motion Experiment (LME) was tested aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. The experiment investigated the motion of fluids in microgravity, yielding results vital to the design of space vehicles and satellites.

 

SwRI engineers have conducted extensive research in space fluids areas such as:

  • Mass gauging

  • Propellant properties

  • In-situ propellant development

  • Gas compression in microgravity

  • Space article re-entry breakup modeling

  • Satellite tank liquid acquisition device development

  • Liquid motion properties in low gravity environments

image of an SwRI-designed and constructed spinning slosh test rig, which simulates spinning conditions experienced by satellites during deployment and operation image of SwRI-developed waste gas compressor for the space station program

An SwRI-designed and constructed spinning slosh test rig, which simulates spinning conditions experienced by satellites during deployment and operation, helps investigate the stability of satellites with liquid motion excitation in microgravity environments.

SwRI engineers developed this waste gas compressor for the space station program. Tests performed at SwRI provided rigorous validation of seal life in the compressor configuration to ensure long-term functionality in space environments.


For more information about fluid dynamics and multiphase flow capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please e-mail fluids@swri.org or call (210) 522-3520.

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.