Composite Tank Design to Limit Fatigue-Induced Microcracking

In this Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) and our Research Institution partner North Dakota State University (NDSU) propose to implement a integrated systematic approach to designingreusable composite tanks for ABL applications. The primary goals of the Phase I program include understanding the mechanism of microcrack growth in a composite material subjected to cyclic thermo-mechanical load and developing a roadmap for designingfatigue resistant composite materials that are compatible with chemicals of high interest to MDA, such as iodine and basic hydrogen peroxide used in the ABL laser. This proposed effort should enable the production of lightweight, robust, and economicalcomposite tanks for both MDA and commercial applications. Concerns with leakage resulting from microcracking of the composite and chemical compatibility have prevented acceptance of composite tanks in many applications. The proposed activity will enablemicrocrack resistant, chemically compatible composite tanks. Reliable and cost-effective composite tanks will have applicability to a wide range of future MDA, DoD, NASA, and commercial applications.