Development and Validation of Purged Thermal Protection Systems for Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tanks of Hypersonic Vehicles.
Abstract
An analytical and experimental investigation was conducted to develop and validate an economical, lightweight, safe, efficient, reliable and reusable insulation system for hypersonic cruise vehicle hydrogen fuel tanks. Results of the study indicate that a nitrogen purged, layered insulation system with nonpermeable closed-cell insulation next to the cryogenic tank and a high service temperature fibrous insulation surrounding it is potentially an attractive solution to the insulation problem. For the postulated hypersonic flight the average unit weight of the purged insulation system (including insulation, condensate and fuel boil off) is 6.31 kg/m (1.29 psf). Limited cyclic tests of large specimens of closed cell polymethacrylimide foam indicate it will withstand the expected thermal cycle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA304600
Entities
People
- J. Z. Colt
- R. G. Helenbrook
Organizations
- Bell Aircraft Corporation