BSTABLISHING TANK DESIGN CRITERIA FOR LIQUID HYDROGEN ROCKETS VOLUME Ⅲ-Materials for Liquid Hydrogen Boost Tanks

摘要

The extremely low temperature of liquid hydrogen presents some unique problems in selecting materials for tanks. Insulated tanks are a necessity to prevent high boil off losses during standby and flight. These insulations oust withstand large thermal differences between the exterior surface and the interior surface. To qualify for rocket vehicle tankage, the Insulation must also withstand the vibrations from the engine, dynamic pressure during flight through the atmos¬phere, and the aerodynamic heating associated with flight through the atmosphere. The vibration and dynamic pressure effects are beyond the scope of this study, but the requirements for materials capable of withstanding aerodynamic heating are considered in detail.