Computational modeling of nonlinear propellant sloshing for spacecraft AOCS applications

During all operational phases, propellant sloshing may have a significant influence on spacecraft performance and stability. The proper description of propellant sloshing effects is then essential for the verification of the Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS). As soon as nonlinear effects predominate (e.g. for high-agility or in a micro-gravity environment), classical approaches as mechanical analog models (e.g. pendulums) fail and computational models need to be utilized to describe the propellant dynamics. These computational models currently lack the ability to accurately describe nonlinear effects like high-velocity impacts, as well as cohesion and adhesion forces in a micro-gravity environment. Additionally these models are computationally very expensive, so that they are commonly not directly used in AOCS verification campaigns, where a large number of simulations are performed. The scope of this work is the development of a computational model based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics, which is able to accurately describe nonlinear propellant sloshing effects in gravity-dominated regimes, which is of relevance for example for high-agility spacecraft missions. The newly developed code is validated using analytical expressions, experimental data as well as other numerical codes. Subsequently, a study is performed showing that the global variables like forces acting on the tank wall or the center of mass are still approximated reasonably well when using lower spatial resolutions, resulting in much faster simulation runs and making it feasible to use the computational model directly in AOCS verification campaigns. Finally, the coupling of the propellant sloshing code to an AOCS and Flight Dynamics rigid-body simulator is demonstrated by simulating a nonlinear forced-roll motion of a partially-filled tank under Earth-gravity.