Bubble control in cryogenic fluids by means of an acoustic technique

Abstract

Cryogenic propellants are used for space exploration missions thanks to their high energy density. However, their storage in orbit is a challenge due to localised evaporation as a result of heat fluxes in the tank. Using acoustic waves can induce a controlled translational motion of the bubbles to colder regions where they collapse. In this paper, simulations are performed by solving the force balance of the key forces acting on the bubble coupled with the Rayleigh-Plesset equation to determine the dynamics of the bubble. The results provide insight into the relationship between acoustic forces and bubble transport across cryogenic fluids, with potential implications for the development of acoustic-based cryogenic fluid management techniques for orbital use. This investigation forms part of the work done as part of the EU Project for cryogenic storage and re-fulling in space - CRYSALIS.

We acknowledge funding from the European Commission - HADEA HORIZON-CL4-2023-SPACE-01 (Project 101135431 - CRYSALIS: Cryogenic storage and re-fulling in space) and by Agencia Estatal de Investigación (Spain) projects PID2020-116413GB-I00.

Peer Reviewed

Postprint (published version)