Damage analysis of a type 3 cryogenic propellant tank after LN2 storage test

Abstract

The application of composites to cryotanks has been one of the major concerns for lightweight launch vehicles. In this study, a prototype of a Type 3 cryotank was fabricated with the composite developed for cryogenic application and aluminum liner, and the cryogenic conditions were applied by filling the prototype with liquid nitrogen and then pressurizing it with gaseous nitrogen. During the experiment, delamination inside the cryotank happened. This article describes several attempts made to investigate failure through both analytical approach with thermo elastic analysis accompanied by progressive failure and experimental approach with LN(2) immersion of composite/aluminum ring specimens.