Lightweight Composite Feedlines for Future Launchers

Kurzfassung

This paper presents the results of an investigation of lightweight cryogenic propellant tubes, so-called Composite Feedlines, which was carried out for ESA/ESTEC as part of the Future European Space Transportation Investigation Programme (FESTIP). The project was performed in co-operation with Steyr-Daimler-Puch (SPD). The objective of the study was to develop a design for Composite Feedlines, to demonstrate the feasibility and to estimate the weight saving potential. A hybrid configuration was chosen with a metallic liner inside and a composite cylinder outside. The composite cylinder provides some thermal insulation and prevents damage from the thin-walled liner, which transport the propellant. Under operating conditions the Composite Feedlines will be used at cryogenic temperature and under a constant pressure of 7 bar. The design process came up with two configurations, one with carbon fibres in an epoxy resin, the other one with aramid / carbon fibres in an epoxy resin. Both configurations were manufactured and tested.