Analysis of Conformable Pressure Vessels: Introducing the Multi-Bubble

This paper outlines the structural analysis of an articulated pressurizable structure termed the multibubble. The multibubble is a structurally efficient pressure vessel that pressurizes a volume with substantial spatial freedom. Applications are found in pressure cabins for blended-wing-body aircra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:AIAA journal 2011-08, Vol.49 (8), p.1683-1692
Main Authors: Geuskens, F. J. J. M. M, Bergsma, O. K, Koussios, S, Beukers, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerodynamics
Aircraft
Pressure vessels
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Summary:This paper outlines the structural analysis of an articulated pressurizable structure termed the multibubble. The multibubble is a structurally efficient pressure vessel that pressurizes a volume with substantial spatial freedom. Applications are found in pressure cabins for blended-wing-body aircraft and conformable pressure vessels for liquid gases (e.g., propane) or cryogenic applications. The multibubble in this paper can be configured in an open- or closed-cell configuration and consists of cylindrical and spherical membrane elements equipped with walls and/or reinforcements at the intersections in order to ensure structural integrity. The multibubble allows pressurization loads to be carried through in-plane stresses. To solve for loads and forces in the multibubble, it is shown that the solution simply depends on pressure and geometric variables. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0001-1452
1533-385X
DOI:10.2514/1.J050822