Tank Liner Hard Elements Absorb Hydrodynamic Ram
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed projectile impacts on liquid storage tanks generate intense hydrodynamic ram pressure, leading to catastrophic failures due to shock waves and penetration damage, necessitating a means to reduce these pressures and enhance tank durability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid storage system with a tank liner composed of hard elements (≥2 GPa hardness) embedded in a flexible binder material, where elements are distributed at varying depths within the liner to absorb and dissipate impact energy, reducing the likelihood of catastrophic failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional tank structure is used, then the tank is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but it cannot withstand hydrodynamic ram pressure from high-speed projectile impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The tank liner is constructed as a composite material system consisting of a binder material matrix embedded with numerous hard elements (such as ceramic or metal particles). This composite structure combines the flexibility and adhesion of the binder with the high hardness and impact resistance of the dispersed elements, enabling the liner to withstand hydrodynamic ram pressure while maintaining a relatively simple overall tank structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hard elements are distributed throughout the binder material at varying concentrations and depths, creating local regions of enhanced hardness and impact resistance. This non-uniform distribution allows the liner to provide targeted protection where needed while maintaining flexibility in other areas, resolving the contradiction between strength and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If hard elements are embedded in the tank liner, then the resistance to projectile impact is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hard elements are pre-dispersed throughout the binder material in a liquid or semi-liquid state before the liner is applied to the tank. This preliminary distribution ensures uniform coverage and eliminates the need for complex post-application placement processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable impact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder material is maintained in a liquid or semi-liquid state during application, allowing it to flow and conform to the tank interior surface. After application, the binder transitions to a solid state, locking the hard elements in place. This parameter change (from liquid to solid) simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring the hard elements remain securely positioned for reliable impact resistance.
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 system effectively reduces hydrodynamic ram pressure and enhances the tank's ability to withstand projectile impacts without catastrophic failure, while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing damage to the tank and its contents.
Implementation Method 1
A high speed projectile on impact with and penetration into a liquid containing tank generates very high pressure in the liquid. This phenomenon, known as hydrodynamic ram, typically includes the generation of shock waves and subsequent pressure pulses in the liquid.
Implementation Method 2
This phenomenon, known as hydrodynamic ram, typically includes the generation of shock waves and subsequent pressure pulses in the liquid.
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage system comprising: a tank for containing a liquid, the tank enclosing a liquid storage space; and a tank liner fixedly attached to an internal surface of the tank (16). The tank liner comprises: a plurality of elements, each element having a hardness value of 2 GPa or above; and a binder material in which the plurality of elements are embedded. The elements have a higher hardness value than the binder material. A distance between a first element and the internal surface of the tank in a direction normal to the internal surface of the tank is different to a distance between a second element and the internal surface of the tank in the direction normal to the internal surface of the tank, the first element being different to the second element.