Dynamic FEA Analysis of the Super Lightweight External Cryogenic Fuel Tank (SLWT) Made of Aluminium Alloy 2195–Graphene Nano Composite for Launch Vehicle Aerospace Application

This research presents a comprehensive dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) of a cryogenic fuel tank made from an innovative aluminium/lithium–graphene nano-composite material, assessing its suitability for aerospace launch vehicles carrying cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen. The study focuses on the e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of composites science 2024-07, Vol.8 (7), p.260
Main Authors: Pazhani, Ashwath, Salman, Syed Saad, Venkatraman, M., Patel, Alicia, Xavior, M. Anthony, Batako, Andre, Paulsamy, Jeyapandiarajan, Jayaseelan, Joel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace engineering
Aerospace industry
aerospace launch vehicles
Alloying elements
Alloys
Aluminium/lithium–graphene composite
Aluminum base alloys
Behavior
Composite materials
cryogenic fuel tank
Deformation effects
Design
Digital twins
finite element analysis (FEA)
Finite element method
Fuel tanks
Graphene
Industrial development
Launch vehicles
lightweighting
Lithium
Mechanical properties
Moon
Nanocomposites
Performance evaluation
Pressure distribution
R&D
Research & development
Simulation
Space exploration
Spacecraft components
Spacecraft construction materials
Spacecraft design
Vehicles
Weight reduction
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Summary:This research presents a comprehensive dynamic finite element analysis (FEA) of a cryogenic fuel tank made from an innovative aluminium/lithium–graphene nano-composite material, assessing its suitability for aerospace launch vehicles carrying cryogenic hydrogen and oxygen. The study focuses on the effects of lightweighting, utilizing 0.5 wt.% reinforced graphene in the Al 2195 matrix, a material poised to revolutionize the aerospace industry. Objectives include developing a digital twin of the fuel tank, CAD modeling to aerospace standards, and conducting ANSYS simulations under launch conditions to evaluate stress, strain, and deformation. Numerical results reveal a significant weight reduction of approximately 19,420 kg and a notable maximum stress reduction of 1.3% compared to traditional Al 2195 alloy tanks. The novelty of this research lies in its pioneering analysis of aluminium/lithium–graphene composites for lightweighting in cryogenic fuel tanks under space launch conditions. Conclusions affirm the composite’s viability, advocating for the development of lighter yet robust aerospace structures and fostering innovation in spacecraft design and materials science.
ISSN:2504-477X
2504-477X
DOI:10.3390/jcs8070260