Long Term Cryogenic Fluid Storage

Advanced space system technologies require the development of lightweight, reliable and cost effective components. The liquid propulsion systems of these systems use cryogenic storage tanks. This proposed WCT program will research, design and develop anovel, light-weight, load bearing, possibly double walled but highly insulated composite tank that serves as propellant storage and also can be part of the overall support structure. After the insulative design concepts have been developed, the requisiteanalytical tools will be outlined to determine future design verification requirements. The proposed WCT cryogenic storage concept will be applicable to 20 year storage requirements and the design will be evaluated using computer life predictiontechniques for thermal/ mechanical load environments, and then proven in the Phase I program by demonstration of basic concepts in the laboratory using cylindrical test hardware and in the Phase II program by the testing of a subscale demonstration model.The work plan will evaluate all of the potential storage tank and pressure vessel designs and insulation concepts which can be proved either singularly or in combination to assure meeting the technical objectives for this program of 20 year storage with 2%boil-off for liquid hydrogen over the 20 year period.The overall program will have developed the long term storage technology, both in materials and manufacturing processes, that can be readily applied to future advanced aerospace and satellite systems andcommercial cryogenic ventures. The technology developed under this program will be immediately applicable to a wide range of launch vehicle, missile, satellite and other space programs. The future expendable, reusable and commercial launch vehicleprograms will utilize liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as part of their propulsion systems. The performance requirements for these programs and the limited weight budget preclude the heavier, single function metallic structures for the propulsion tanksand inter-stage structure. The composite technology resulting from this effort can be used to provide a new generation of cryogenic resistant structure and materials fabrication concepts to the Air Force Space Program, Space Based Laser, BMDO and NASAlaunch vehicles, and applications in commercial industry. Cryogenic containment and handling structures could be readily fabricated using these designs and materials in the future. Insulation concepts can also be a key requirement of these designs. NASAX-33/ 34 projects and Air Force space projects are potential space related, missile intercept and launch vehicle applications and all of the U.S. prime contractors for commercial launch vehicles will also be candidates for this technology.