Mesure de la masse de fluides cryogéniques par une méthode capacitive.

The paper describes a method for measuring the mass of cryogenic fluids in on-board rocket propellant tanks or ground storage tanks. Linear approximations to the Clausius-Mossotti relationship serve as the foundation for a capacitance based mass sensor, regardless of fluid density stratification or tank shape. Sensor design considerations are presented along with the experimental results for a capacitance based mass gage tested in liquid nitrogen. This test data is shown to be consistent with theory resulting in a demonstrated mass measurement accuracy of plus or minus 0.75% and a deviation from linearity of less than about 0.30% of full scale mass. Theoretical accuracies are also shown to be plus or minus 0.73% for hydrogen and 1.39% for oxygen for a select range of pressures and temperatures.