Related Projects: Cryogenic Weld Qual, LOX Feed, Engine Model
Role: Responsible Engineer, Scope Owner
Duration: September 2024 – May 2025
Requirements: Create a lightweight liquid oxygen tank using common, low-cost alloys that interfaces with our custom valves, vehicle structure, and airframe while being manufacturable on a 4-axis CNC lathe.
Summary: For a full breakdown of the tank weld, see Cryogenic Weld Qual. The initial parameters of the tank were sized using hoop stress, and the more complex end cap geometry was validated with FEA.
Based on the LOX Safety documented I authored, the tank was Type 3 hardcoat anodized for ignition resistance. Although there are filters on all fluid inlets, it is best practice to assume some FOD (foreign object debris) will be present in the tank. Raw aluminum can ignite with liquid oxygen when there are high velocity flows and FOD is present, however, the thicker aluminum oxide layer present on anodized aluminum sufficiently increases the energy threshold before ignition for our pressure vessel.
I now had significant experience programming CNCs and developing tooling.
