Composite Tank Wall with Restraining Elements for Ballistic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage tanks, such as fuel tanks, are vulnerable to damage and leakage from ballistic projectiles, leading to weight and cost issues due to the need for protective armor or self-sealing bladders, which do not effectively limit the propagation of holes or tears caused by hydrodynamic ram effects.
Innovation Solution
A tank design featuring a wall assembly with interconnecting restraining elements formed from multiple layers of material, including pre-impregnated composite materials, that also serve as part of the inner and outer walls, allowing for pressurized gas introduction to limit leakage and damage from ballistic impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective armor is added to shield fuel tanks from ballistic projectiles, then the protection against projectiles is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank wall is segmented into multiple thin layers (inner wall, outer wall, and intermediate layers) rather than using a single thick armor layer. This segmentation allows the structure to absorb and distribute impact energy across multiple interfaces, providing ballistic protection while maintaining lower overall weight compared to monolithic armor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank employs a composite structure with an inner wall made of flexible material (such as rubber or elastomer) and an outer wall made of rigid material (such as metal or composite), separated by restraining elements. This composite construction combines the advantages of both materials: the flexible inner wall absorbs impact and prevents penetration, while the rigid outer wall provides structural integrity, achieving protection without excessive weight.
2Reliability
If self-sealing bladders are installed in fuel tanks, then fuel leakage is reduced, but the weight of the vehicle increases and payload capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The self-sealing function is merged into the tank wall structure itself rather than being a separate bladder system. The inner wall is made of flexible, self-sealing material that automatically closes small punctures and tears, eliminating the need for additional bladder components and their associated weight, while still providing fuel leakage prevention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If restraining elements are added to maintain bladder wall positions, then structural integrity is improved, but the cost and weight of the bladder increase
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they maintain the spacing between inner and outer walls, provide structural reinforcement, and act as attachment points for the flexible inner wall. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining wall position stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional restraining elements are used to maintain bladder wall positions, then structural stability is improved, but fuel leakage is not effectively prevented and holes can propagate
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall is made of flexible, self-sealing material with localized ability to deform and seal punctures, while the restraining elements provide localized structural support. This combination allows the structure to maintain overall stability while locally adapting to prevent hole propagation, as the flexible material can seal small openings without compromising the structural framework.
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 tank design reduces weight and cost while effectively limiting the propagation of holes or tears and minimizing further damage from hydrodynamic ram effects, maintaining internal pressure and reducing fuel leakage.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining internal pressure and reducing fuel leakage
Implementation Method 2
limit the propagation of holes or tears and minimizing further damage from hydrodynamic ram effects
Data Source
AI summary
A tank and associated fabrication method are provided which may limit the damage otherwise occasioned by the impact of a ballistic projectile. The tank may include a wall assembly defined between outer and inner walls and a plurality of restraining elements that extend between the walls. The restraining elements may be formed to have a plurality of layers of material that form not only the restraining element, but also portions of the inner and/or outer walls. For example, the tank may include a plurality of cells positioned adjacent to one another with each cell forming portions of two adjacent restraining elements and portions of the inner and/or outer walls. A corresponding method for fabricating a tank including a wall assembly having a plurality of restraining elements is also provided.