An optimal design model for the wall thickness of the propellant tank

Abstract

The propellant tank is a vital part for the liquid rocket, and the optimal design of the propellant tank is a significant research to develop the heavy rocket. This paper aims at providing an optimal design model for tank wall thickness. Through establishing the tank mathematical model, analyzing the stress distributions of tank, and defining the equivalent stress of tank, the wall thickness parameters of tank roof, cylinder, and bottom are obtained. The effects of tank parameters on the wall thickness are analyzed to determine the distribution rules of tank roof, cylinder, and bottom wall thickness parameters. Combined with the safety factor that is defined as the ratio of the material's ultimate stress to the maximum equivalent stress, the optimal design model with invariable tank roof and bottom wall thicknesses and variable tank cylinder wall thickness is established. Finally, the optimal design model is verified by comparing the optimal tank with the original tank. The results show that the optimal design model can effectively decrease the mass of the tank and improve the stress distribution of the tank.