CryoSense: Redesign using Fibre-Optic Sensors

Kurzfassung

This Technical Note contains the design of a cryogenic benchmark experiment, introducing fibre-optic sensor/measurement equipment for the validation of CFD in microgravity. The benchmark experiment is a redesign of baseline experiment 1 presented in Technical Note 1 of the activity, with state-of-the-art ‘conventional’ sensor technologies now replaced by their fibre-optic counterparts. In a comprehensive sensor study, fibre-optic temperature, pressure, liquid fill-level and tomographic sensor systems are first described in-depth, then evaluated in terms of application potential and a specifically adapted TRL scale. Fibre-optic visual observation systems are discussed in a similar fashion. After assessment of parasitic heating, microgravity compatibility and cryogenic compatibility, trade-offs are performed between sensors of the same type. Recommendations regarding an increase in technology readiness level conclude the sensor study and lead to the presentation of the sensor layouts of the redesigned experiment. Finally, the sensor study recommendations are translated into an overview test matrix as a suggestion for step-wise sensor validation.