초록 ▼

The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet

The development of polymer composite liquid oxygen (LOX) tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. A composite LOX tank will weigh significantly less than conventional metal tanks. This benefit of reduced weight is critical to enable future launch vehicles to meet required mass fractions. The high strength and low weight of a composite tank allows for a lighter weight craft and/or higher payload capacity which results in lower costs per pound to place an object in orbit. The unique, nontraditional idea described here is to use resin-based composite materials to make such a composite tank or other oxygen carrying component such as a feedline. Polymer composites have traditionally been regarded as being more flammable than metals and therefore deemed not oxygen compatible. However, PEAR (polyether amide resin) composites, due to their low flammability and high toughness, could be made into liquid oxygen tanks.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of using a composite tank to hold liquid oxygen, comprising:a) providing a composite tank apparatus, the composite tank apparatus comprising a structural tank body having means for containing liquid oxygen, the tank body having an interior for containing a cryogenic material that has a t

1. A method of using a composite tank to hold liquid oxygen, comprising:a) providing a composite tank apparatus, the composite tank apparatus comprising a structural tank body having means for containing liquid oxygen, the tank body having an interior for containing a cryogenic material that has a temperature as low as around minus 300 degrees F., the tank body having a tank wall with an inner surface for contacting liquid oxygen, the tank wall having a composite construction that includes a fiber-reinforccd resin portion made of fiber reinforced PEAR; and b) putting liquid oxygen in the composite tank apparatus, wherein tile fiber reinforced resin portion is directly contacted with liquid oxygen when liquid oxygen is put in the tank, wherein the tank wall has a mechanical impact threshold of at least 10 foot pounds.