Inventors:
Ellis C. Seal - Bay St. Louis MS
Norman C. Elfer - Pearl River LA
Torben Brandt - Burbank CA
Robert O. Edman - Torrance CA
Assignee:
Lockheed Martin Corporation - Bethesda MD
International Classification:
B65H 8100
Abstract:
An innovative technology for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) has been developed which significantly increases cost effectiveness, increases reliability, and reduces weight over state-of-the-art COPVs. This technology combines an innovative thin liner made of a metal having a high modulus of elasticity and a high ductility, a high-performance composite overwrap and a high-performance film adhesive at the overwrap/liner interface. The metal liner can be fabricated from readily available titanium alloy sheet and plate using a combination of spin forming and machining to fabricate components and electron-beam welding for tank assembly. The composite overwrap is filament-wound onto an adhesive-covered titanium liner and the overwrap and adhesive are co-cured in an oven to yield an integrated tank structure.