By: Bangshidhar Goswami
Assistant Professor, Metallurgical Engineering, RVS College
of Engineering and Technology, Bhilai Pahari, Edelbera,
Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India.
The development of lightweight, high-performance materials for use in cryogenic environments
is crucial for advanced applications in aerospace, energy storage, and industrial sectors. This
study explores the thermodynamic and mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced polymers and
composite materials under extremely low-temperature conditions. The cryogenic performance
of these materials, including their thermal stress resistance and impact properties, was
assessed with a focus on polymer fragility and the durability of composites at temperatures
approaching 77 K. Materials such as G-10 glass composites and carbon fiber-reinforced
composites (CFRCs) were analyzed for their strength-to-weight ratios and their ability to
withstand the mechanical stresses associated with cryogenic fuel storage in aerospace
applications. The study further explores the impact of cryogenic temperatures on polymer-
based materials, particularly focusing on their ductile-to-brittle transition and thermal
expansion properties. Thermodynamic analyses were conducted to evaluate the energy
efficiency and safety of cryogenic propellant tanks designed with these composites,
emphasizing their role in reducing vehicle weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Findings highlight the promising potential of these materials in replacing traditional metallic
systems, offering substantial reductions in mass while enhancing durability and performance
in cryogenic conditions. This research offers insights into future advancements in cryogenic
material development and their thermodynamic implications in both aerospace and industrial
applications. Moreover, the research delves into the kinetics of failure mechanisms in
composite materials at cryogenic temperatures, including the formation of microcracks due to
thermally induced residual stresses.
Citation:
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