Research project

Integrity of Maritime Tank and Propulsion Systems

Integrity of Maritime Tank and Propulsion Systems

Research project: SImTAnk

This project is researching the structural integrity of tanks and propulsion systems that are required for alternative fuels such as hydrogen, which is stored under high pressures or low temperatures. The infrastructure required for testing and evaluation is being developed in this project.

The Institute of Maritime Energy Systems has an overall understanding of novel energy systems for ships and is familiar with their interactions. This makes it a leading integrator of emission-reducing systems and technologies for current and future ships and harbours, particularly in the field of designing, evaluating and implementing innovative energy systems.

In this context, the structural behaviour of the components used is an important factor, as high pressures or cryogenic temperatures are required for the transport and storage of alternative fuels such as hydrogen. Both conditions place very different demands on tank and drive systems and have not yet been extensively researched in a maritime context.

As part of the project Structural integrity of innovative maritime tank and propulsion systems under complex loads (SImTAnk), the necessary infrastructure is therefore to be created in order to be able to analyse and evaluate the structural integrity of innovative maritime tank and propulsion systems under complex dynamic and cyclic loads. This objective is to be achieved through the introduction of numerical and experimental test environments. The focus is on the need to create a basis for the development of maritime tank and propulsion systems for the complex requirements of ship operation. To this end, numerical methods are used to evaluate the structures and materials, which are calibrated by means of experimental investigations. The experimental test environment must be capable of modelling the influence of different media on the structural integrity of tank and propulsion systems under ship-typical loads. In addition to the different materials, weld seams and the required insulation are also to be analysed in terms of their service life and fracture mechanics.

Contact

Dr. Moritz Braun

Head of Department
German Aerospace Center
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
Ship Reliability
Düneberger Str. 108, 21502 Geesthacht
Germany