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Abstract

Collapsible containers are an attractive alternative to surface-tension propellant management devices (PMDs) for handling cryogenic liquids, as the collapsible container comparatively may 1) allow higher expulsion flow rates than vanes and sponges, 2) significantly reduce operational complexity, and 3) thermally insulate the propellant from environmental heat leaks. Furthermore, while historical cryogenic collapsible containers suffered from the low ductility of polymer films at cryogenic temperatures, the technology disclosed herein shows that the incorporation of folded patterns into the collapsible container substantially increases the reusability of the cryogenic PMD.

First Claim