Long Term Cryogenic Fluid Storage

This program is a continuation of the technical progress of the Phase I SBIR program into a two-year Phase II program. A complete materials evaluation program will be conducted as a follow-up to the detailed thermal analysis conducted in the Phase Iprogram and the design concepts resulting from the Phase I program. The materials development program will cover the use of linerless composite technology for the liquid hydrogen tank and the use of multi-layer gold foil insulation (MLI) and thedevelopment of a suitable thermal protection and conductive foam. The application process for the foam will also be developed. Selection of the final design concept for the long-term storage tank will be performed and test cylinders for evaluation of the concept will be designed and fabricated. Following tests of these cylinders with liquid hydrogen, the design conceptpresented to the Air Force in the form of a design review. The design review will provide necessary changes and improvements to the final tank design and design revisions will be made. The final task under this program will be to fabricate the long-termstorage tank and provide this to the Air Force for their evaluation and potential test.