Numerical Analysis on Thermal-Structural Characteristics for Inner Region of a Liquefied Hydrogen Storage Cylinder
This study numerically investigated thermal-structural characteristics of a liquefied hydrogen (LH) storage cylinder with varying inner pressures and surrounding temperatures. A thermal-structure coupled analysis approach was used to predict the thermal-structural characteristics of the LH storage cylinder. For the simulation, the shape of the LH storage cylinder was simplified using SUS 316L and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) materials. As a result, the inner pressure was a crucial factor determining the structural property (i.e., stress and deformation) of the LH storage cylinder. The high pressure led to increased stress and deformation. Additionally, the surrounding temperature affected the stress and deformation of the LH storage cylinder. For example, at a high surrounding temperature, the temperature gradient along the cylinder increased, thereby causing the occurrence of thermal stress. However, this temperature effect on the stress was negligible compared to the effect of inner pressure. The findings of this study will provide meaningful data for improving the structural safety of LH storage systems.