Advanced cryogenic propellant tank development statusThe design and development of cryogenic propellant tanks with reduced weight and production costs is described with reference to applications for the National Launch System. The development program focused on the use of an aluminum-lithium alloy to demonstrate the production capability, manufacturability, and strength inherent in the novel material. Other key parameters for the alloy include fracture toughness, stress-corrosion resistance, and conformance to NASA specifications for cryogenic propellant tanks. The commercially produced aluminum-lithium alloy product forms are shown to operate acceptably in the temperature range for cryogenic propellant tanks. The alloy under consideration and the tank design are important advances in the development of ultralightweight launch-vehicle structures.
Document ID
19920066470
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Scholz, E. F. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Loechel, L. W. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Roberts, M. O. (Martin Marietta Astronautics Group Denver, CO, United States)