Parametric instability of pressurized propellant tanks

Pressurized propellant tanks might become dynamically unstable with detrimental dynamic responses if a dynamic excitation leads to a coupling of pressure oscillations (especially due to the response of axisymmetric modes) with very low damped ovalizing modes. This phenomenon can be described and identified as the so-called parametric instability. During the dynamic qualification test campaign of the new Ariane 5 Cryogenic Upper Stage ESC-A, a parametric instability was observed for sinusoidal tests under certain test conditions with low static pressure in the propellant tank. The parametric instability was identified and an analytical simulation was performed that confirmed the instability. During flight, harmonic excitations might occur due to pressure oscillations within the solid rocket booster. However, the application of the analytical model on flight conditions indicates that the flight behaviour will be stable. This was confirmed by results from additional tests. This paper describes the phenomenon of the parametric instability of pressurized propellant tanks and presents an analytical methodology to assess the risk of the occurrence of a parametric instability.