Angled Support Members for Liquid Hydrogen Vessel Thermal Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid hydrogen storage vessels experience mechanical strain and deformation due to thermal contraction, leading to reduced lifespan under frequent cyclic loading and unloading conditions.
Innovation Solution
A structural support system is designed with support members that are angled tangent to the outer surface of the inner shell, allowing for orientation changes as the inner shell contracts, and utilizing brackets with pins to facilitate movement and reduce strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If structural supports are designed to be long and have small cross-sections to limit heat ingress, then heat conduction from outer vessel to inner vessel is reduced, but the supports experience higher mechanical strain and permanent deformation during thermal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with variable cross-sectional dimensions along their length, featuring larger cross-sections at ends connecting to vessels and smaller cross-sections in intermediate portions. This parameter variation optimizes both thermal performance (reduced heat conduction path area) and mechanical performance (increased strength at high-stress locations)
2Stability of the object's composition
If structural supports are rigidly fixed to both inner and outer vessels, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal contraction during cooling causes plastic deformation and permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support members incorporate controlled flexibility through intermediate portions with reduced cross-sectional dimensions, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to thermal contraction and expansion during cycling while maintaining overall structural stability. The flexible intermediate sections act as strain-absorbing elements that accommodate dimensional changes without causing plastic deformation
3Ease of manufacture
If support members are initially loaded in warm conditions, then installation is simplified, but the supports will be permanently deformed during subsequent cooling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are pre-designed with specific geometric configurations including variable cross-sections and angled orientations that anticipate and accommodate future thermal contraction. This preliminary design ensures that when installed in warm conditions, the supports will maintain dimensional accuracy and prevent plastic deformation during subsequent cooling cycles
4Temperature
If the distance between inner vessel and outer vessel increases during cooling, then thermal contraction is accommodated, but the support members experience increased tensile strain beyond yield strain
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are oriented at angles relative to the radial direction between vessels, introducing a dimensional component that allows them to accommodate radial separation during thermal contraction. The angled configuration transforms the stress distribution, reducing peak tensile strains by distributing loads across multiple directional components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The support system reduces mechanical strain and fatigue in the support members, enabling them to withstand cyclic loading without permanent deformation, thus extending the lifespan of the storage vessel.
Implementation Method 1
The structural supports may shrink (e.g., contract) during cooling of the support due to thermal strain.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for storing a cryogenic material, such as liquid hydrogen is described. The apparatus includes a liquid hydrogen storage container with a structural support system that enables frequent loading and unloading of the structural support system. The structural support system enables loading and unloading without permanent deformation or fatigue of the structural support system. The structural support system includes a plurality of support members which are oriented at an angle tangent to a portion of an inner shell, which forms a cavity holding the cryogenic material. The portion of the inner shell which the support member is tangent to is the portion of the inner shell closest to an end of the support member.