Abstract
Wide application of composite materials is one of the major technical challenges for dramatic reduction of structural weight of the planned reusable launch vehicles (RLV). Propellant tanks are the dominating structural components of the vehicle structure and thus the application of carbon fiber/Epoxy (or other resin) composites to these components is one of the most promising but challenging technologies for achieving the goal of weight reduction. The overview of current activities on basic research related to the application of CFRP to cryogenic propellant tanks in Japan is given. These research projects indicate that the load-carrying performance of the state-of-the-art material systems is at the sufficient level to be used in the CFRP tanks, leaving the problems related to permeability, durability and fabrication yet to be extensively investigated. The preliminary evaluations of thermal insulation materials and adhesive materials are also under way at NASDA.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | AIAA Space 2001 Conference and Exposition |
| Publication status | Published - 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | AIAA Space 2001 Conference and Exposition - Albuquerque, NM Duration: 2001 Aug 28 → 2001 Aug 30 |
Other
| Other | AIAA Space 2001 Conference and Exposition |
|---|---|
| City | Albuquerque, NM |
| Period | 01/8/28 → 01/8/30 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Space and Planetary Science
- Aerospace Engineering