Development of a new-style propellant tank with corrugated diaphragm for aerospace application

Paper number

IAC-11,C4,3,15,x9263

Author

Mr. Jian Yu, Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion, China

Coauthor

Dr. Yan Fei, Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion, China

Coauthor

Mr. Zhonghua Qiu, Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion, China

Year

2011

Abstract

A new-style corrugated diaphragm positive expulsion tank is developed by Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion (SISP) to store and expel propellant required for liquid bipropellant propulsion system. Different tanks were used to store the oxidizer and the fuel respectively in liquid bipropellant propulsion systems in common, but the new-style tank stored bipropellant in a spherical, and separated the oxidizer and the fuel by two corrugated diaphragms. The mechanical separation by the diaphragms prevented not only a chemical reaction between the oxidizer and the fuel, but also pressurizing gas from dissolving in the propellant.
    The Finite Element Analyses (FEAs) was used to characterize the behaviors of tank during expected environments. As one of the key technologies of the tank, the design criteria and processing technology of corrugated diaphragm was studied. The non-linear Finite Element was utilized to analyses the deformation of corrugated diaphragm in positive expulsion, and some overturning tests with different size and shape diaphragms had been performed to ensure if the corrugated diaphragm matches tank shell. Based on the studies, the software which can design corrugated diaphragm conveniently and reliably had been developed.
  Two different size tanks were designed, manufactured and validated. The tank shell was made of a new kind of high strength Al-Sc alloy with 0.2~0.4\% Scandium, while corrugated diaphragm were manufactured with pure aluminum. These materials perform good compatibility with the propellants. Weld capability, processing technology and surface treatment of the Al-Sc alloy were also studied. A comprehensive test program that included proof pressure test, pressure cycle test, leak checks test, propellant expelling test and burst test was conducted to quality capabilities of the tank. The results show that the tanks can be qualified to meet or exceed the design requirements. The new-style corrugated diaphragm tank showed excellent performances at bipropellant propulsion system test in November 2009, and it will be further popularized for liquid bipropellant propulsion system in the near future for its pre-packing, integration management, least weight, best space using and reliability.

Abstract document

IAC-11,C4,3,15,x9263.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-11,C4,3,14,x9263.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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