An investigation of a cavitating venturi flow control feature in a cryogenic propellant delivery system

This study details the design and performance characterization for a cryogenic cavitating venturi. This flow control system is intended for mass flow regulation of cryogenic propellants, such as liquid oxygen and liquid methane, in reaction control propulsion systems. Through in situ flow tests, the discharge coefficient for the venturi was calculated and utilized to determine the mass flow rate for specified inlet pressures of the propellants. The test results revealed that the cavitating venturi indeed performed as a flow rate control feature in both liquid water and LCH4 flow under a steady state operating within pressure ratios below 0.69.