Advanced Cryo-Tanks Structural Design Investigated in CHATT

Abstract

An EU-funded study called CHATT (Cryogenic Hypersonic Advanced Tank Technologies) has been initiated early 2012 and recently passed its mid-term milestone. The project CHATT is part of the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme and run on behalf of the Commission by DLR-SART in a multinational collaboration. One of the core objectives is to investigate Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) cryogenic pressure tanks. Four different subscale CFRP-tanks are planned to be designed, manufactured, and tested. The paper outlines the study logic of CHATT, gives a presentation of the technology development tasks, and summarizes available research results on the liner testing and CFRP-tank manufacturing.