Predictive capabilities of OpenFOAM compressibleVoF for cryogenic sloshing

This work introduces an open-source CFD framework for cryogenic propellant tank modeling, implemented in OpenFOAM v11 and enhanced with custom phase-change libraries based on the Lee and Tanasawa models. The framework was validated against cryogenic sloshing experiments using liquid nitrogen, demonstrating an excellent agreement with the experimental pressure evolution. The model predictive capabilities were then evaluated under off-validation conditions, including varying fill levels, active pressurization, and chaotic sloshing regime. The model demonstrated robust performance beyond its calibration case with different fill level and during the active pressurization phase, while chaotic sloshing revealed sensitivity to phase-change parameters, requiring recalibration. The extensive work performed in this study highlights the current strengths and predictive reliability of multi-phase CFD modeling while identifying critical areas where further research into unmodeled physics is required.