Dynamic Performance analysis of a Pilot Operated Solenoid Valve in a Divert Engine for Spacecrafts

Pilot operated solenoid valves play an important role in divert engines for spacecrafts, which require high maneuverability. The maneuverability of a spacecraft is largely determined by the dynamic performance of the valve. A pilot operated solenoid valve with high flow capacity and rapid response characteristic is introduced. In order to study the dynamic performance of the valve, mathematical model is established based on fundamental physical principles. Finite element method is used in numerical simulation of the electromagnetic field of the valve. Then, based on the mathematical model and the results obtained through numerical simulation of the electromagnetic field, a simulation diagram is developed by Matlab/Simulink. The factors, such as the diameter of the damping orifice, the force of the main spring, the main poppet area and the main sealing area, are studied. The results indicate how the factors, as mentioned above, influence the dynamic characteristic of the valve. The results also provid a reference for performance improvement of the pilot operated solenoid valves.