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AFR, Inc. is developing a multifunctional Carbon material that, in addition to excellent radiation shielding characteristics, is appropriate for certain energy storage applications. As an excellent Hydrogen gas sorbent, it increases the usable storage capacity of a gas cylinder by ∼25% at 3500 PSI and by ∼150% at 500 PSI. Our ongoing NASA Langley funded study shows that when a sorbent-filled tank is charged with hydrogen, it provides shielding superior to polyethylene against most types of ionizing particles. Even as hydrogen is consumed, the carbon and tank ensure that significant radiation shielding capability is maintained. In addition to storing hydrogen, the carbon material also displays considerable strength. In this paper, we explore some of its mechanical properties that show this material is very versatile and highly multifunctional.

Future vehicle power systems must achieve greater flexibility and reliability than those used in previous generations. New functions that enhance safety, such as arc detection and wiring integrity verification, are essential for new systems. Embedded autonomous control, and fault correction can be built into Fault Tolerant Processors that integrate into a vehicle Open System Architecture. This approach will provide status and fault detection information to maintenance interfaces and provide fault correction. Safety is enhanced by the prevention of dangerous restarts from crew and personnel. The embedded features allow for pre-flight mission configuration to setup systems before takeoff and on-board and off-board maintenance control. This enables operators to evaluate power system health and history to help reduce turn around time.

A comparison of various numerical tools and techniques was performed for calculating the lightning indirect effects to composite structures and internal systems. This paper is a summary of the initial comparison results. Detailed results of each technique considered are given in additional separate papers presented during this conference. The modeling considered current distributions over and within composite surfaces and the coupling of current and voltages to internal systems such as wire bundle cables and hydraulic and fuel tubes. The models were compared to each other and to measured data from low level swept continuous wave (LLCW) tests performed on two test fixtures. Other features of the codes such as run time, ease of use, computer requirements, availability of documentation and technical support, etc. are compared as well.