Design, Development and Manufacturing of Low Cost and High Performance Tanks and Pressure Vessels
- Paper number
IAC-05-C2.P.11
- Author
Mr. Rudolf Forster, MAN Technologie AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Robert Teran Beck, MAN Technologie AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Marc Giegerich, MT Aerospace AG, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Wulf Radtke, MAN Technologie AG, Germany
- Year
2005
- Abstract
MAN Technologie AG has developed, qualified and delivered a number of high performance all metallic propellant tanks as well as carbon fibre over-wrapped pressure vessels with metallic liners. Low cost, low mass and short lead times are primary considerations for the design of advanced pressure vessels for space application. This paper describes design considerations, performance requirements, manufacturing and inspection issues as well as test results of recently qualified pressure vessels for various space programs. An overview on recent R\&D activities performed to date to achieve further cost reductions through the implementation of the counter-roller spin-forming manufacturing methods for the liners of over-wrapped propellant tanks and high pressure vessels is provided too.
- Abstract document