Structural Integrity Assessment of a Propellant tank in Presence of Welding Residual Stresses

Abstract

Upper stage of India’s new generation launch vehicle makes use of cryogenic propellants with liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as fuel and oxidizer respectively. The propellants are stored in tanks fabricated of Aluminum alloy and contain various openings. As carrying out proof test at operating environment is not feasible, the tanks are subjected to proof pressure test at room temperature (RT). During the RT proof pressure test of LOX tank, high strains, greater than 8000με, were recorded by gauges at three locations where weld rework had been undertaken. From structural analysis, the maximum welding residual stress at these locations is evaluated to be 95N/mm2. From stress analysis point of view, positive margins were observed with respect to failure of the tank even in presence of these residual stresses.However, since the tank is operating at cryogenic temperature, though there is an increase in the yield and ultimate strengths of the tank material, there is a reduction in ductility (lower percentage elongation). Therefore, evaluation of structural integrity of the hardware from fracture point of view is of paramount importance. A study was undertaken to investigate the influence of residual stresses on integrity of the tank in presence of minimum detectable crack sizes using conventional NDE techniques. The location where maximum strains were observed, post proof test, is considered for fracture evaluation. Directional stresses at location of interest are predicted through detailed finite element analysis. Subsequently, generalized Failure Assessment Diagram was drawn based on Elasto-Plastic fracture mechanics principles and margin against ultimate load ensured. The tank was used in a launch vehicle which was successfully flown in June 2017.