25-08-2017, 09:32 PM
Hybrid Tank Technology
ABSTRACT
Researchers have accomplished great advances in pressure vessel technology by applying high-performance composite
materials as an over-wrap to metal-lined pressure vessels. These composite over-wrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) are used
in many areas, from air tanks for firefighters and compressed natural gas tanks for automobiles, to pressurant tanks for
aerospace launch vehicles and propellant tanks for satellites and deep-space exploration vehicles. NASA and commercial
industry are continually striving to find new ways to make high-performance pressure vessels safer and more reliable. While
COPVs are much lighter than all-metal pressure vessels, the composite material, typically graphite fibers with an epoxy matrix
resin, is vulnerable to impact damage. Carbon fiber is most frequently used for the high-performance COPV applications
because of its high strength-to-weight characteristics. Other fibers have been used, but with limitations. For example, fiberglass
is inexpensive but much heavier than carbon. Aramid fibers are impact resistant but have less strength than carbon and their
performance tends to deteriorate.