Experimental Investigation on the Dynamic Behavior of the Liquid in Spherical Tanks of a Spinning Satellite

Abstract

Two experiments are carried out to investigate the dynamic behavior of the liquid partially filled in spherical tanks of a spinning satellite. One is the simulation test at the spin up phase of the rocket. The other is the sloshing test to analyze the propellant sloshing effects on the satellite attitude control. These experiments are specially set for the Engineering Test Satellite V which has two spherical tanks 37% filled with hydrazine, but the results obtained can be applicable to the other problems of the liquid dynamics in spherical tanks.