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Vibration Considerations for Cryogenic Tanks Using Glass Bubbles InsulationThe use of glass bubbles as an efficient and practical thermal insulation system has been previously demonstrated in cryogenic storage tanks. One such example is a spherical, vacuum-jacketed liquid hydrogen vessel of 218,000 liter capacity where the boiloff rate has been reduced by approximately 50 percent. Further applications may include non-stationary tanks such as mobile tankers and tanks with extreme duty cycles or exposed to significant vibration environments. Space rocket launch events and mobile tanker life cycles represent two harsh cases of mechanical vibration exposure. A number of bulk fill insulation materials including glass bubbles, perlite powders, and aerogel granules were tested for vibration effects and mechanical behavior using a custom design holding fixture subjected to random vibration on an Electrodynamic Shaker. The settling effects for mixtures of insulation materials were also investigated. The vibration test results and granular particle analysis are presented with considerations and implications for future cryogenic tank applications. A thermal performance update on field demonstration testing of a 218,000 L liquid hydrogen storage tank, retrofitted with glass bubbles, is presented. KEYWORDS: Glass bubble, perlite, aerogel, insulation, liquid hydrogen, storage tank, mobile tanker, vibration.
Document ID
20110014398
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Werlink, Rudolph J. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Fesmire, James E. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Sass, Jared P. (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
June 13, 2011
Subject Category
Propellants And Fuels
Report/Patent Number
KSC-2011-138
Meeting Information
Meeting: Cryogenic Engineering Conference and International Cryogenic Materials Conference
Location: Spokane, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 13, 2011
End Date: June 17, 2011
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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