Modelling the Deformation Characteristics of Titanium Diaphragm for a Spacecraft Propellant Tank

In order to investigate the deformation characteristics of titanium diaphragm for a spacecraft propellant tank during its reversal process, Based on FE software MSC. Marc, a FE model of the reversal process of the titanium diaphragm is established. In this model, the nonlinear thickness distributions of the diaphragm are coupled by a MSC. Marc subprogram. With the aid of the model, the paper analyses the characteristics of different field variables during the whole reversal process, such as pressure drop, equivalent von mises stress, equivalent plastic strain and apex displacement. The results show that the deformation of the diaphragm is relatively stable during the reversal process. Simulated values of pressure differential show good agreement with measured ones.