Cryogenic thermal insulation based on PUF for tanks of expendable and future reusable launch vehicles

Paper number

IAC-05-C2.3.08

Author

Mr. Nikolai Panichkin, Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH), Russia

Coauthor

Mr. Yuriy Gusev, Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH), Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Anton Kolozezny, Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH), Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Nickolai Volkov, Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH), Russia

Year

2005

Abstract

Polyurethane Foam (PUF) is the material that is mostly used as cold insulation for cryogenic tanks. This material has good heat-insulating properties and low density.

But PUF-based thermal insulation has its specific features. Actually, classical methods for estimation of boundaries of functionability are not applicable for such materials. The standard failure theory based on analysis of stresses does not determine possible destruction of the heat shield. Besides, the material of the cryogenic heat shield is usually under conditions of multifold stretching or compression. That fact also complicates application of the classical approaches using intensity of stresses (Von Mises) as the parameter for functionability estimation.

According to a large array of experimental data it is necessary to use the value of strains for delimitation of destruction for such materials. Values of critical strains essentially depend on the type of stress-strain state (tension, shear, compression).

The article presents the state-of-the-art review of the experimental results of PUF specimen tests within a broad range of temperatures. Samples of such materials, as a rule, are tested separately for different kinds of stress-strain state. PUF application to reusable space systems requires change of samples testing techniques. One of possible solutions is presented in the article. That are special test samples that could be used for cyclical loading at any sequence of applied stress-strain state.

General principles of deformation-based strength criteria for cryo-thermal insulation with reference to expendable and reusable cryogenic tanks are presented.

Abstract document

IAC-05-C2.3.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-C2.3.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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