Composite Cryogenic Tank Liner Eliminates Metallic Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic tanks face challenges due to materials not specifically designed for cryogenic conditions, leading to issues with aero-thermal heating, vibrational loads, and potential cracking and leakage during space launch and travel.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic tank construction using a composite liner with a fiber-resin matrix and a filament-wound outer layer, eliminating the need for a metallic liner, which allows for weight savings and scalable manufacturing, and is adaptable to various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic liner is used in traditional composite over-wrapped vessels, then the tank can contain cryogenic fluids, but the weight increases and manufacturing complexity increases due to weld joints and tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic liner component from the traditional composite over-wrapped vessel construction. The inner liner function is replaced entirely by a composite material system consisting of a cryogenic-compatible resin matrix and fiber reinforcement, eliminating the need for metal parts and their associated weight and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system (fiber-reinforced polymer matrix) to replace the metallic liner. The composite inner liner is constructed using cryogenic-compatible resins and fibers that can withstand low temperatures, providing both containment and structural functionality without the weight penalty of metal
2Reliability
If a metallic liner is used in traditional composite over-wrapped vessels, then the tank can contain cryogenic fluids, but the manufacturing complexity and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic liner component from the traditional composite over-wrapped vessel construction. The inner liner function is replaced entirely by a composite material system consisting of a cryogenic-compatible resin matrix and fiber reinforcement, eliminating the need for metal parts and their associated weight and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting resins and fibers specifically designed for cryogenic service. The resin matrix is chosen to remain ductile at low temperatures, and the fiber-reinforced composite structure is designed to maintain mechanical integrity across the temperature range, eliminating the need for metal while maintaining containment reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional materials are used in cryogenic tanks, then the materials are readily commercially available, but they are not specifically designed for cryogenic conditions leading to potential cracking and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting resins and fibers specifically designed for cryogenic service. The resin matrix is chosen to remain ductile at low temperatures, and the fiber-reinforced composite structure is designed to maintain mechanical integrity across the temperature range, eliminating the need for metal while maintaining containment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system (fiber-reinforced polymer matrix) to replace the metallic liner. The composite inner liner is constructed using cryogenic-compatible resins and fibers that can withstand low temperatures, providing both containment and structural functionality without the weight penalty of metal
4Weight of moving object
If a composite liner is used instead of a metallic liner, then weight is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the material must be specifically designed for cryogenic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting resins and fibers specifically designed for cryogenic service. The resin matrix is chosen to remain ductile at low temperatures, and the fiber-reinforced composite structure is designed to maintain mechanical integrity across the temperature range, eliminating the need for metal while maintaining containment reliability
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 solution provides a lightweight, high-pressure cryogenic tank that effectively contains fluids without cracking or leaking, offering superior performance in cryogenic conditions and reducing tooling costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
infusing the preform with a resin having high ductibility at low temperatures
Implementation Method 2
the infusing of the preform comprises a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding operation
Implementation Method 3
providing for curing of the inner layer and the outer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight, high-pressure cryogenic tank construction includes an inner layer comprising a matrix of fiber and resin suitable for cryogenic use. An outer layer in intimate contact with the inner layer provides support of the inner layer, and is made of resin composite. The tank is made by placing a fiber preform on a mandrel and infusing the preform with the resin. The infused preform is then encapsulated within the outer layer.