| The heat transfer effects on liquid methane are investigated with the use of a carbo-thermal rig at the Center for Space Exploration Technology Research (cSETR) located at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The cSETR carbo-thermal rig design approach is presented along with the design of a methane condensing mobile unit (MCMU) to supply the laboratory and rig with liquid methane. The proposed research will generate useful insight in to heat transfer coefficient behavior, non-dimensional correlations, different flow conditions, varied inlet conditions, and varied heat flux for a subscale test article applicable to a regenerative cooled rocket engine cooling channel. The data found will also improve the knowledge base for liquid methane and non-toxic propulsion. Planned test parameters are from 1.03 to 2.07 MPa (150 to 300 psi) supply tank pressure, and 3.9 to 19 MW/m2 (2.39 to 11.6 Btu/in2-s). Presented are transient and steady state heat transfer response results depicting transient and steady state heat transfer effects tested at turbulent Reynolds numbers (15000 to 360000). |
