38th Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference · 1997 · 13 citations · 1 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMaterials EngineeringAerospace MaterialsFunctional MaterialsNuclear MaterialsComposite MaterialsLightweight Structural MaterialsCompatibility StudiesComposite Material DesignComposite PropellantsIgnition SystemsLightweight MaterialsPropellant CompatibilityPropellant Tank DesignQualification Standards
McDonnell Douglas Aerospace (MDA) and NASA are investigating the compatibility of composite materials and liquid oxygen (LO2). The objective is to determine if these advanced lightweight materials can be used to fabricate LO2 propellant tanks for launch vehicles. Rele- vant background on MDA's development of composite materials for liquid hydrogen tanks is discussed. Mate- rial qualification standards for liquid oxygen service are reviewed. Hazards analyses on composite LO*, tank designs are discussed in which various ignition mecha- nisms are considered. Results are presented from a series of tests conducted to simulate potential ignition mechanisms in the presence of LO 2 and composite materials.
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