Optimization of the material selection process for cryogenic composite overwrapped pressure vessels

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop a test methodology for the evaluation of materials for possible use in cryogenic composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). This paper investigates various micromechanical and macromechanical techniques to test the interaction between fibers and resins. Uniaxial tension testing was performed at ambient and cryogenic temperatures on neat resin samples, straight-sided composite specimens, and NOL ring specimens. COPVs were constructed and burst tested to provide a performance comparison. Results show resins suitable for use at cryogenic conditions display a LN2 temperature elongation to failure greater than 2% and an ambient temperature elastic modulus less than 35 MPa. NOL rings were determined to be the preferred composite test method rather than straight-sided specimens. Mechanical performance of the NOL rings compares well with actual COPV performance.