2019 ISSRDC Award: Leadership of Efforts Resulting in a Comprehensive Theoretical and Experimental Microgravity Foundation for In-Space Cryogenic Storage Tank Design
Dr. Mohammad Kassemi of Case Western Reserve received a 2019 ISSRDC award for compelling results in technology development and demonstration.
Each year, the International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development (R&D) Conference, held in coordination with the ISSInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the American Astronautical Society, highlights individuals who have pushed the boundaries of space-based research through the presentation of research awards. This week, we are spotlighting awardees in the category of “compelling results.” Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Mohammad Kassemi of Case Western Reserve, for compelling results in the field of technology development and demonstration.
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Dr. Kassemi and his team conducted a series of ground-based and spaceflight experiments that examined tank pressurization and pressure control of volatile fluids when exposed to heat transfer and other environmental conditions in space. The team’s “Zero Boil Off Tank” experiment produced experimental and numerical models that will provide a foundation for the development of low-risk and cost-efficient cryogenic propellant storage systems for future long-duration spaceflight missions.
NASA astronaut Joe Acaba setting up hardware for the Zero Boil-Off Tank (ZBOT) experiment. ZBOT uses an experimental fluid to test active heat removal and forced jet mixing as alternative means for controlling tank pressure for volatile fluids. Rocket fuel, spacecraft heating and cooling systems, and sensitive scientific instruments rely on very cold cryogenic fluids. Heat from the environment around cryogenic tanks can cause their pressures to rise, which requires dumping or “boiling off” fluid to release the excess pressure, or actively cooling the tanks in some way.
Media Credit: NASA
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