FEA Modelling of the Aluminium Alloy Graphene-based Composite Plate for the Launch Vehicle External Fuel Tank Structural Application

Dr. Neeraj Gopichand Salunkhe

Authors

Dr. Neeraj Gopichand Salunkhe

Keywords:

pirate attacks, risk analysis, K-means clustering, Autoencoder, EWM-TOPSIS, Compressive Strength, tensile strength, mechanical properties, compressed earth blocks (CEBs), eggshell waste, lime, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Carbon Nanotubes (CNT), Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Hydrogen (LH2), External Fuel Tank (EFT).

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to investigate the structural uses of an aluminium alloy with a composite plate made of graphene in launch vehicle fuel tanks. To evaluate the viability and performance of the composite plate in this application, finite element analysis (FEA) modelling is used. The study aims to analyse the composite plate’s mechanical behaviour, thermal characteristics, and structural integrity under various loading scenarios, such as mechanical and thermal loads, stress, and strain. The outcomes of the FEA model are compared with the materials currently used in the external fuel tanks of launch vehicles. A cost analysis of the production process is also carried out to determine whether using the graphene-based composite plate is economically feasible. The study intends to provide light on the benefits, difficulties, and constraints related to the structural components of launch vehicle fuel tanks made of graphene-based composites. The results of this study have the potential to advance the discipline of aeronautical engineering and establish the framework for upcoming advances in materials science and design optimisation for launch vehicle applications.

References

Velram Balaji Mohan, Kin-tak Lau, David Hui, Debes Bhattacharyya (2018) Graphene-Based Materials and Their Composites: A Review on Production, Applications and Product Limitations. 142, 200–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.01.013

Joel Jayaseelan, Ashwath Pazhani, Anthony Xavior Michael, Jeyapandiarajan Paulchamy, Andre Batako, Prashantha Kumar Hosamane Guruswamy (2022) Characterization Studies on Graphene-Aluminium Nano Composites for Aerospace Launch Vehicle External Fuel Tank Structural Application. 15(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15175907

Pin on Space // Free Photos from Nasa. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/439663982371779097/

Priyaranjan Samal, Pandu R. Vundavilli, Arabinda Meher, Manas M. Mahapatra (2020) Recent Progress in Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites: A Review on Processing, Mechanical and Wear Properties. 131–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2020.09.010

Ashwath Pazhani, M. Venkatraman, M. Anthony Xavior, Arivarasu Moganraj, Andre Batako, Jeyapandiarajan Paulsamy, Joel Jayaseelan, Arivazhagan Anbalagan, Jayesh Shanthi Bavan (2023) Synthesis and Characterisation of Graphene-Reinforced AA 2014 MMC Using Squeeze Casting Method for Lightweight Aerospace Structural Applications. 111990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2023.111990

Afifah Md Ali, Mohd Zaidi Omar, Hanizam Hashim, Mohd Shukor Salleh, Intan Fadhlina Mohamed (2021) Recent Development in Graphene-Reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composite: A Review. 60(1), 801–17. https://doi.org/10.1515/rams-2021-0062

AKM Asif Iqbal, Nazmus Sakib, A. K. M. Parvez Iqbal, Dewan Muhammad Nuruzzaman Iqbal (2020) Graphene-Based Nanocomposites and Their Fabrication, Mechanical Properties and Applications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtla.2020.100815

Yuming Xie, Xiangchen Meng, Yuexin Chang, Dongxin Mao, Yuchen Yang, Yanli Xu, Long Wan, Yongxian Huang (2022) Ameliorating Strength-Ductility Efficiency of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Aluminum Composites via Deformation-Driven Metallurgy. 219, 109225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.109225

Pu Bowen, Xiang Zhang, Dongdong Zhao, Chunnian He, Chunsheng Shi, Enzuo Liu, Junwei Sha, Naiqin Zhao (2021) Achieving Prominent Strengthening Efficiency of Graphene Nanosheets in Al Matrix Composites by Hybrid Deformation. 183, 530-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2021.07.042

Hanizam Hashim, Mohd Shukor Salleh, Mohd Zaidi Omar, Abu Bakar Sulong (2019) Optimisation of Mechanical Stir Casting Parameters for Fabrication of Carbon Nanotubes–Aluminium Alloy Composite through Taguchi Method. 8(2), 2223-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.02.008

Liu Wanying, Ying Liu, Yuanhua Lin, Zhi Zhang, Shiyu Feng, Mohd Talha, Yufan Shi, Tao Shi (2019) Effects of Graphene on Structure and Corrosion Resistance of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings Formed on D16T al Alloy. 475, 645-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.12.233

Jiang Tao, Tao Jiao, Guoqing Dai, Zhikang Shen, Yanhua Guo, Zhonggang Sun, Wenya Li (2022) Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of 2060 Al-Li Alloy via Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing. 935, 168019-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.168019

Taher El-Bitar Fathei Nouh, Omayma A Elkady, Hossam M Yehia (2022) Impact of Graphene and Hot-Rolling on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Matrix Nano-Composite. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1258597/v1

Nithesh K., M.C. Gowrishankar, Rajesh Nayak, Sathyashankara Sharma (2021) Effect of Light Weight Reinforcement and Heat Treatment Process Parameters on Morphological and Wear Aspects of Hypoeutectic Al-Si Based Composites - a Critical Review. 15, 4272-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.10.019

Edward Kaamil, K A Mamun, Sumesh Narayan, Mansour H Assaf, David Rohindra, Upaka Rathnayake (2023) State-of-The-Art Graphene Synthesis Methods and Environmental Concerns. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8475504

Yadav Aanchal, R. K. Godara, G. Bhardwaj, R. U. Patil, S. K. Singh, Kishore Khanna (2021) A Review on Fracture Analysis of CNT/Graphene Reinforced Composites for Structural Applications. 29(1), 545-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-021-09650-2

R Harichandran, R Vignesh Kumar, M Venkateswaran (2022) Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Thermal Conductivity of Graphene Nanoplatelets Reinforced Aluminium Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgy and Hot Extrusion Technique. 900, 163401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.163401

M C Gowrishankar, Pavan Hiremath, Manjunath Shettar, Sathyashankara Sharma, Satish Rao U (2020) Experimental Validity on the Casting Characteristics of Stir Cast Aluminium Composites. 3340-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.01.028

R Pérez-Bustamante, D Bolaños-Morales, J Bonilla-Martínez, I Estrada-Guel, R Martínez-Sánchez (2014) Microstructural and Hardness, Behavior of Graphene-Nanoplatelets/Aluminum Composites, Synthesized by Mechanical Alloying. 615, S578-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2014.01.225

Shi-Ping Yan, Shi Dai, X Y Zhang, Chih-Chung Yang, Q Z Hong, J C Chen, Zhihong Lin (2014) Investigating Aluminum Alloy Reinforced by Graphene Nanoflakes. 612, 440-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2014.06.077

Meysam Tabandeh-Khorshid, J B Ferguson, Benjamin F Schultz, Chang-Soo Kim, Kyu Cho, Pradeep K Rohatgi (2016) Strengthening Mechanisms of Graphene- and Al2O3-Reinforced Aluminum Nanocomposites Synthesized by Room Temperature Milling. 92, 79-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2015.12.007

Hassan Ahmed Ahmed, Naci Kurgan (2019) Modeling and Buckling Analysis of Rectangular Plates in ANSYS. 11(1), 310-29. https://doi.org/10.24107/ijeas.531011

S Rajendran, D Song (1998) Finite Element Modelling of Delamination Buckling of Composite Panel Using ANSYS. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=4387b147786c9d1b59dedd3b2d7e99da2d9ef695

Arturo Gomez, Howard Smith (2019) Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tanks for Commercial Aviation: Structural Sizing and Stress Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2019.105438

Michael Nemeth, Vicki Britt, Timothy Collins, James Starnes (1996) NASA Nonlinear Analysis of the Space Shuttle Superlightweight External Fuel Tank. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19970010449/downloads/19970010449.pdf

Sergio Chiesa, Marco Di Sciuva, Luca Testore (1999) Launch Vehicles Conceptual Design and Structural Analysis: An Integrated Approach via FEM. 2(3), 117–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1369-8869(99)00011-7

KS Kumar (2015) Heat Transfer Analysis of Light Weight Cryogenic Tank for Space Vehicles. https://doi.org/10.17485/ijst/2015/v8i4/62291

External Tank. https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/external-tank

(2008) FACT SHEET SPACE SHUTTLE EXTERNAL TANK. http://www.nasa-klass.com/Curriculum/Get_Training%201/ET/RDG_ET-Additional/ETFactSheet.pdf

Niraj Nayan, Nilesh P. Gurao, S.V.S. Narayana Murty, Abhay K. Jha, Bhanu Pant, S.C. Sharma, Koshy M. George (2015) Microstructure and Micro-Texture Evolution during Large Strain Deformation of an Aluminium–Copper–Lithium Alloy AA 2195. 65, 862–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.09.037

Tolga Dursun, Costas Soutis (2014) Recent Developments in Advanced Aircraft Aluminium Alloys. 56, 862–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2013.12.002

Venkateswara Rao, W Yu, Robert O Ritchie (1989) Cryogenic Toughness of Commercial Aluminum-Lithium Alloys: Role of Delamination Toughening. 20(3), 485–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02653929

T. Y. Thomas (1955) COMBINED ELASTIC and von MISES STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONS. 41(11), 908–10. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.41.11.908

Olga Wodo, Baskar Ganapathysubramanian (2011) Computationally Efficient Solution to the Cahn–Hilliard Equation: Adaptive Implicit Time Schemes, Mesh Sensitivity Analysis and the 3D Isoperimetric Problem. 230(15), 6037–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcp.2011.04.012

What Are the Best Conditions for Launching Model Rockets?. https://www.acsupplyco.com/what-are-the-best-conditions-for-launching-model-rockets

Annual Average Weather for Cornwall, United Kingdom. https://beach-weather.com/Northern-Europe/United-Kingdom/England/Cornwall/averages/#:~:text=The%20most%20windy%20month%20in

NASA - Amazing Facts: Space Shuttle External Tank. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/about/star/et_11.html

(2023) Liquid Oxygen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_oxygen#cite_note-2

(2019) NASA - the External Tank. https://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/system/system_ET.html

(2020) Liquid Hydrogen. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_hydrogen