A general study of the influence of onboard liquids on satellite behavior

Two general problems associated with the stabilization of spacecraft along three axes and relative to the presence of onboard liquids are studied. These are the determination of the localization of liquids in a reduced gravity environment, and the study of the dynamic coupling between the movements of the liquids and those of a satellite. Specific problems concerning the design of storage tanks (presence of a diaphragm) and the particular physical nature of the liquid used (cryogenic liquids) are also treated. Mathematical models for all phenomena discussed are presented. Liquid-vapor interfaces and equilibrium, capillary hysteresis of semiwetting liquids, and dynamic variations in contact angle are emphasized. The need for more powerful computer programs (three dimensional analysis with complex geometries) as well as a program of experimentation onboard Spacelab is noted.