High-performance vessels from an aromatic polyamide fiber/epoxy composite

The investigation reported is concerned with the development of a filament-wound, ultralightweight composite vessel for the containment of cryogenic propellants and pressurant gases. The vessels are to be used within an operational temperature range from -253 C to ambient temperature. The fiber used for the process is Kevlar 49. The design and the fabrication of specimens and vessels are discussed along with the results obtained in a testing program.