발사체 추진제 탱크 수위 측정 및 제어 시스템 기초연구

Fundamental Research on the Measurement and Control System of Level Sensor for Launch Vehicle Propellant Tanks

Propellant consumption control for space launch vehicle can be achieved by propellant utilization system (PUS) and tank depletion system (TDS). In the course of developing new space launch vehicles, the main target of design is on reducing of space launch vehicle weight, which results in increasing both specific impulse and payload weight. The weights of space launch vehicles are generally allocated to structure, propulsion system, and propellants loaded. The quantity of propellants filled in propellant tanks may be estimated with the propellants actually consumed by propulsion system to complete its mission and the propellants left on-board at the time of engine shut-off. To minimize the remaining quantity of propellants on-board the supplying propellants' O/F ratio should be controlled from the certain time before engine shutdown. To control an O/F ratio, a control system, which accurately measures and compares the remainder of propellants in tanks and pipes, should be needed. This paper solely dedicates its contents to explore the merits and demerits of various level sensor, which is one of the important elements for PUS and TDS, and the transmission and control of signals within space launch vehicle.