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Potential of Organic Matrix Composites for Liquid Oxygen TankComposite materials are being considered for the tankage of cryogenic propellants in access to space because of potentially lower structural weights. A major hurdle for composites is an inherent concern about the safety of using flammable structural materials in contact with liquid and gaseous oxygen. A hazards analysis approach addresses a series of specific concerns that must be addressed based upon test data. Under the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle contracts, testing was begun for a variety of organic matrix composite materials both to aid in the selection of materials and to provide needed test data to support hazards analyses. The work has continued at NASA MSFC and the NASA WSTF to provide information on the potential for using composite materials in oxygen systems. Appropriate methods for oxygen compatibility testing of structural materials and data for a range of composite materials from impact, friction, flammability and electrostatic discharge testing are presented. Remaining concerns and conclusions about composite tank structures, and recommendations for additional testing are discussed. Requirements for system specific hazards analysis are identified.
Document ID
20050206349
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davis, Samuel E.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Herald, Stephen D.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Stolzfus, Joel M.
(NASA White Sands Test Facility NM, United States)
Engel, Carl D.
(Qualis Corp. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Bohlen, James W.
(Northrop Grumman Corp. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Palm, Tod
(Northrop Grumman Corp. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Robinson, Michael J.
(Boeing Phantom Works Huntington Beach, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2005 National Space and Missile Materials Symposium
Location: Summerlin, NV
Country: United States
Start Date: June 27, 2005
End Date: July 1, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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