Fabrication of a peek/graphite composite cryogenic fuel line

摘要

This NASA funded project involved the fabrication of a Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) / Graphite composite cryogenic fuel line for use on future reusable launch vehicles. The fuel line structure was a four (4) foot long, 90 degree elbow with integral flanges. The fuel line was fabricated with a 16 ply quasi-isotropic lay-up and an 8" inner diameter with 11.75" outer diameter flanges. PEEK was selected for its toughness and compatibility with the liquid oxygen fuel. Fabrication of the fuel line was done with ADC Acquisition Company's proprietary in-situ thermoplastic fiber placement equipment. The fabrication of the fuel line involved resolving several issues, including software programming, design and construction of break-down tooling and modification of ADC's existing robotic technology. All of which will be discussed in this paper.