Rotational moulding of PEEK polymer liners with carbon fibre/PEEK over tape-placement for space cryogenic fuel tanks

Abstract

PEEK polymers are investigated as replacement materials for metallic liners in composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for fuel tank applications in space. A novel, integrally heated, rotational moulding tool has been developed to produce PEEK polymer liners, samples of which have then been overwrapped using CF/PEEK in a laser assisted tapeplacement (LATP) process to produce demonstrator samples of a polymer lined COPV.Helium permeability testing has shown that the designs are capable of resisting leakage to acceptable levels for fuel storage, while X-ray CT scanning and cryogenic cycling have shown that the current design is capable of resisting crack growth over multiple cycles. Nanoindentation testing has shown that the LATP process has created a region of reduced modulus in the PEEK polymer at the surface of the liner where the CF/PEEK has been tapelaid. This laser-affected zone of reduced polymer modulus in the composite interface region has enabled an enhanced resistance to crack growth formations from thermal residual stresses in comparison to hot plate moulded test samples.

Study on Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates at Ultra-Low Temperatures

“…Due to their remarkable advantages, such as high specific strength, elevated impact resistance, light weight, and low-cost manufacturing, CFRP composites have been widely used in critical fields, including aerospace, the automotive industry, and rail transit in recent years [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. With the development of deep space exploration projects such as the Lunar and Mars exploration, CFRP composites used in deep space exploration face complex work environments involving ultra-low temperatures and dynamic impact [ 4 , 5 ]. The mechanical properties of CFRP composites under ultra-low temperatures and dynamic impact differ from those under room temperature and static environments.…”

Effect of injection speed on the mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene micro injection molded parts based on a nanoindentation test

“…Local mechanical properties are also a vital factor in the application of micro parts, such as micro gears . Current testing methods include ultrasonic technology, dielectric sensing, magnetic levitation, and nanoindentation . For example, Zhao et al .…”

Materials’ physics and chemistry for space application: in memoriam of Christopher Semprimoschnig

“…Related to fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), in one study, carbon fiber/ PEEK composite was used to produce composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) by mean of Laser-Assisted Tape-Placement including a full PEEK-based liner. Such concept led to low permeability and enhanced damage resistance to crack formation under cryogenic application [1][2][3].…”