Liquid Hydrogen Tanks for Low-Emission Aircraft

Abstract

Hydrogen power shows high potential in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases from aircraft, which has led to companies investing more of their resources into developing this technology. One of the main issues of this technique is the storing of the liquid hydrogen within the airplane without adding too much weight. This has lead to a demand for designing tanks in carbon bre reinforced plastics (CFRP). This project has therefore been structured as a pre-study to further increase the knowledge available on the design of liner-less composite pressure vessels. It was discovered that a liner-less pressure vessel made out of thin-ply composite material is a concept of great potential. The two sections of the proposed tank, the tube, and the two endcaps were constructed di erently. In terms of stress and strain, they both indicated potential complying to limits set on the material, both in terms of ultimate values and thermal fatigue. Connecting the two main parts through a single scarf joint, currently common within the aerospace industry, the overall weight of the tank was decreased with a factor of over 85% compared to a steel tank. In conclusion, the design of a liner-less composite tank shows great potential and it is of interest to conduct further research in this area.