Engineered Composite Structures for Cryogenic Systems

Abstract

SCI's engineered composite structures are being utilized for thermal isolation and structural support in numerous cryogenic applications. Advantages include low thermal conductivity, high strength and stiffness, lightweight and low outgassing down to temperatures of 1.8K. Usual materials are continuous glass, carbon or alumina fiber in epoxy resin or chopped fibers in thermoplastic resin. Considerations in selecting the material and configuration include tension, compression, flexural, shear and torsion load requirements; fatigue, deflection, creep and vibration criteria; temperature gradient; installation geometry; and cost trade-offs.! This paper discusses the advanced composite structures developed for specific cryogenic systems.