Buckling Analysis of Shuttle Disposable Liquid Hydrogen Tank with Floating Rings

摘要

A scheme for treating so-called floating rings is recommended for use in the buckling analysis of stiffened cylindrical shells. Critical stresses are calculated and compared to those for integral rings, for a design representative of the unpressurized Space Shuttle liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank. The ring rigidity required to prevent general instability is found to be much less than that required by the Shanley criterion, with a correspondingly significant weight saving. There is very little difference in total shell weight between floating and internal rings for equal strength designs. (Author)