Boil-off of cryogenic propellant poses significant risks in space applications. This study focuses on the design of thermally efficient cryogenic tanks. This study explores various design choices to minimize propellant lost due to diffusion through the tank structure, boil-off, and venting. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) was explored to investigate tank wall permeability. Structural properties were also tested to validate tank material choice. Methods were developed to study thermophysical properties of a sample multi-layer insulation through experimentation and COMSOL models to investigate heat transfer into the tank. Boil-off models were then created to simulate boil-off over time, comparing continuous and thermodynamic venting systems based on propellant loss.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Gowie, Roman
• Nuzio, Sean
• Torres, Janelly
• Farrington, Rayden
• Kelly, Alice
• Polus, Nathaniel
• Collins, Quentin

Subject

• Innovation
• Project-Based Learning
• Industry

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032024-204720
• 119041

Keyword

• Thermodynamics
• Composites
• Boiloff
• Cryogenic
• Liquid Hydrogen
• Permeability

Advisor

• Jayachandran, Jagannath

Year

• 2024

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Not Specified

Date created

• 2024-03-20

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Source

• E-project-032024-204720

Rights statement

• In Copyright