Design of Storable Propellant Pressure Vessels

Four considerations in the design of storable propellant structures are: stress caused by load and pressure requirements, sealing surfaces and bolted tank closures, corrosion and stress corrosion, and material compatibility. This paper discusses the developmental background of these considerations in connection with the Titan family.

Specific items discussed are design and fabrication of the basic tankage, especially sealing problems, and the compatibility of materials with amine fuels and nitrogen tetroxide.