Each modular element consists of two hemispherical shells with material removed near their apexes to permit joining by a weldment to form a passage. Elements are welded together at their largest dimensions to form either a straight line continuous or a circular pressure vessel

Fahner, T.

Harwood, O. P.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Plane Of Symmetry
Hemispherical 
Enclpiece 
Inlet 
(Outlet) 
Hemispherical 
Endpiece 
Inlet 
(Outlet) 
MS Of Symmetry 
End-Trim Excepted) 
/ 
September 1971	 CORRECTED COPY	 B71-10354 
ó	 NASA TECH BRIEF 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce now technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Modular Construction Provides Large Volume Storage Facility 
in Minimum Space 
Forged Joint
	 Radial Planes 
Figure 1. Horizontal Section of One 
Modular Element 
Modular elements have been used to achieve a 
maximum storage of pressurized fluids where weight 
and/or space present problems. This design is useful 
where access is limited or cylindrical and toroidal 
vessels are too heavy; it has the added advantage of 
avoiding the inherent weakness of a system involving 
multiple plumbing elements, such as a system of 
numerous storage vessels connected to a manifold. 
Each modular element (Figure 1) consists of two 
approximately hemispherical shells that have material 
removed near their apexes so that they can be forged
Figure 2. Straight-Line Assembly (A) and Circular Assembly (B) 
together to form a passage. As shown in Figure 2, a 
number of such modular elements may then be joined 
together by welding at their largest dimensions. By 
arranging the modular elements each iT rad (1800) with 
respect to the next, a straight-line continuous pressure 
vessel can be formed (A in Figure 2). An alternate, 
curved configuration can be achieved by welding the 
modular elements together in identical orientation (B 
in Figure 2) so that a circular vessel would result. 
One hemispherical endpiece is appropriately machined 
to receive an inlet (outlet) line.
(continued overleaf) 
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Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19710000352 2020-03-17T02:28:11+00:00Z
Note 
Requests for further information may be directed to 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Code A&PS.TU 
Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B71-10354
Patent status: 
Inquiries concerning rights for the commercial use 
of this invention should be addressed to: 
Patent Counsel 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Code A&PS-PAT 
Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama 35812 
Source: 0. P. Harwood and T. Fahner of

McDonnell Douglas Corp.

under contract to

Marshall Space Flight Center

(MFS-1 3568)
o 
B71-10354	 Category 08


Modular construction provides large volume storage facility in minimum space

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