Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
11:12
Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
Published on: October 17, 2013
14.2K
Structural analysis and multi-objective optimization of sealing structure for cryogenic liquid hydrogen triple-offset
Shuxun Li1,2, Bojiang Yin3,4, Cong Wei1,2
1School of Petrochemical Engineering , Lanzhou University of Technology , 730050, Lanzhou, PR China.
Scientific Reports
|October 15, 2025
Summary
A novel soft-sealing structure enhances liquid hydrogen valve sealing by compensating for cold shrinkage. This optimization improves bidirectional sealing performance in rocket fuel systems under ultra-low temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Cryogenic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Sealing failures in liquid hydrogen triple-offset butterfly valves are critical in rocket fuel delivery.
- Insufficient cold shrinkage compensation capability at ultra-low temperatures causes these failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a soft-sealing elastic compensation structure for cryogenic butterfly valves.
- To optimize the sealing structure for reliable bidirectional sealing under liquid hydrogen conditions.
Main Methods:
- Thermo-mechanical coupling analysis to evaluate sealing performance.
- Spearman sensitivity analysis to identify key optimization variables (radial offset, third offset angle, sealing surface width, interference).
- Optimal Latin hypercube sampling, RBF surrogate model, and NSGA-II algorithm for multi-objective optimization.
Main Results:
- Forward sealing: Maximum contact stress decreased by 23.43%, average contact stress by 22.41%.
- Reverse sealing: Maximum contact stress increased by 51.07%, average contact stress by 48.83%.
- Achieved reliable bidirectional sealing under ultra-low temperatures.
Conclusions:
- The proposed soft-sealing elastic compensation structure effectively addresses sealing failures in liquid hydrogen butterfly valves.
- The optimized structure ensures reliable bidirectional sealing performance in cryogenic environments.
- This research contributes to the safety and efficiency of rocket fuel delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Design Example: Deciding Thickness of Lubricating Fluid in a Shaft
328
Effective lubrication between a rotating shaft and its bearing housing is essential in rotating machinery to minimize friction, wear, and energy loss. With carefully controlled thickness and viscosity, the lubricant layer prevents metal-to-metal contact, ensuring smooth operation.
To calculate the required thickness of the lubricant layer, the tangential velocity at the shaft's surface must first be determined. This velocity is calculated by converting the rotational speed to angular velocity...
To calculate the required thickness of the lubricant layer, the tangential velocity at the shaft's surface must first be determined. This velocity is calculated by converting the rotational speed to angular velocity...
328
01:26Optimization Problems
8
Optimization problems often involve identifying maximum or minimum values under specific constraints. A well-known example is determining the longest horizontal pipe that can be moved around a right-angled corner, where a 3-meter-wide hallway meets a 2-meter-wide hallway. This scenario, common in architectural design and industrial transport, can be understood conceptually through geometric and trigonometric reasoning.To visualize the problem, consider the pipe as a straight line that touches...
8
01:24Bearings: Problem Solving
476
Understanding the calculations and concepts related to double-collar bearings is essential for engineers and designers to optimize the performance of these components in various applications. By analyzing the bearing under different conditions, one can ensure that it can withstand the forces and moments experienced during operation. This knowledge enables better decision-making when designing and selecting bearings for specific purposes and configurations. Consider a double-collar bearing with...
476
01:21Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway
668
Scaled hydraulic models of dam spillways provide a practical way to replicate and study the intricate flow dynamics of these structures. Often built to a 1:15 ratio, these models allow for observing critical water behavior, such as velocity distribution, flow patterns, and energy dissipation.
668