ORBITAL STORAGE OF LIQUID HYDROGEN
Abstract
The influence of various design parameters on the storage time of liquid H in space is discussed. Emphasis is placed on non-vented storage of subcooled liquid H in a low geocentric orbit (300 n. mi.). The non-vented storage concept has economical and technological advantages over the vented tank concept. However, for extended non-vented storage periods, the liquid H must be subcooled prior to launch. A spherical tank is considered the optimum shape from a heat transfer standpoint. However, this report is based on an 18-ft.-diam cylindrical tank with hemispherical bulkheads. This coincides with the diameter of the S-IV stage of the Saturn vehicle. The calculations to determine storage times should be based on the assumption of having stagnant fluid conditions in the orbiting tank in order to obtain conservative results. The calculations should further consider the fundamental differences in thermal environment of a vehicle tank, which is an integrated structural element, and an orbital storage tank, which is an individual structure except for the duration of powered flight. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0262046
Entities
People
- J.r. Olivier
- W.e. Dempster
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration