Contact:
Dr. Robert L. King
Mississippi State University
Raspet Flight Research Laboratory
P.O. Box A
MS State, MS 39762
king@ae.msstate.edu

Mississippi State University (MSU) Raspet Flight Research Laboratory (RFRL) is conducting research in the area of composite structures manufacturing technology leading to composite structures for cryogenic fuel tanks and structures.

This research program was originally organized into three phases:  1) industry survey leading to the design, modeling and simulation of the candidate processes, 2) development and proof test of the several technical elements of the slip mold concept or other candidate processes, and 3) development and demonstration of a full scale manufacturing facility.

As a result of meetings with MSFC, it appears that the composite cryogenic tank design and manufacturing is in some flux.  In particular, there is a need to research new manufacturing techniques that may fall outside the current industry best practices.  Some examples of these additional practices include self-healing composites, additional coatings to seal cracks and thermoplastics used as the composite matrix.

The Statement of Work is:

1. Survey of composite fabricators and assemblers.
2. Identify best practices in relation to LH2 tank production.
3. Relate best practices to X-32 LH2 tank failure modes.
4. Support MSFC in evaluating the state of the art in composite LH2 tank design.
5. Identify self-sealing materials and sealing systems suitable for composite structures.
6. Evaluate identified self-sealing materials for use at cryogenic temperatures.
7. Identify thermoplastic materials suitable as a matrix for composite LH2 tanks.
8. Perform preliminary design of a scaled thermoplastic LH2 tank for test at MSFC.

Current large-scale composite manufacturing and processing activities will be studied during visits to NASA Marshall, Lockheed Martin Michoud, Lockheed Martin Skunkworks, Alliant Tech Systems and others.  From these studies, a list of best practices for fabrication and processing of composites will be developed.  These best practices will then be applied to the identification of 'best-practices' to fabricate large composite cryogenic fuel tanks.