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Energy Dissipation and Efficiency Challenges of Cryogenic Sloshing in Aerospace Propellant Tanks: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Alih John Eko

    (Centre for Future Materials & Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
    School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Xuesen Zeng

    (Centre for Future Materials & Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Mazhar Peerzada

    (Centre for Future Materials & Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Tristan Shelley

    (Centre for Future Materials & Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Jayantha Epaarachchi

    (Centre for Future Materials & Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
    School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Cam Minh Tri Tien

    (Centre for Future Materials & Institute of Advanced Engineering and Space Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

Abstract

Cryogenic propellant sloshing presents significant challenges in aerospace systems, inducing vehicle instability, structural fatigue, energy losses, and complex thermal management issues. This review synthesizes experimental, analytical, and numerical advances with an emphasis on energy dissipation and conversion efficiency in propellant storage and transfer. Recent developments in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and AI-driven digital-twin frameworks are critically examined alongside the influences of tank materials, baffle configurations, and operating conditions. Unlike conventional fluids, cryogenic propellants in microgravity and within composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) exhibit unique thermodynamic and dynamic couplings that remain only partially characterized. Prior reviews have typically treated these factors in isolation; here, they are unified through an integrated perspective linking cryogenic thermo-physics, reduced-gravity hydrodynamics, and fluid–structure interactions. Persistent research limitations are identified in the areas of data availability, model validation, and thermo-mechanical coupling fidelity, underscoring the need for scalable multi-physics approaches. This review’s contribution lies in consolidating these interdisciplinary domains while outlining a roadmap toward experimentally validated, AI-augmented digital-twin architectures for improved energy efficiency, reliability, and propellant stability in next-generation aerospace missions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alih John Eko & Xuesen Zeng & Mazhar Peerzada & Tristan Shelley & Jayantha Epaarachchi & Cam Minh Tri Tien, 2025. "Energy Dissipation and Efficiency Challenges of Cryogenic Sloshing in Aerospace Propellant Tanks: A Systematic Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-44, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:20:p:5362-:d:1769099
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    References listed on IDEAS

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