What Happens to Closed-Cell Foam at Cryogenic Temperatures?

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SUMMARY

Closed-cell foam, commonly used in cryogenic applications such as the insulation on the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET), undergoes significant changes at cryogenic temperatures. The air within the foam cells can freeze, raising concerns about potential cell rupture and loss of structural integrity upon returning to normal temperatures. Additionally, foamed aluminum is being explored for similar applications, but its fatigue-prone nature raises questions about its performance under cryogenic conditions. Current literature lacks comprehensive information on the behavior of both closed-cell foam and foamed aluminum in these extreme environments.

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  • Understanding of cryogenic temperature effects on materials
  • Familiarity with closed-cell foam properties
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KarenRei
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Closed-cell foam is used in many cryogenic applications - for example, the insulation on the shuttle ET was closed cell. But what exactly happens to a closed-cell foam at cryogenic temperatures? One would presume that the air inside the cells would freeze out. But would the cells rupture? Or would their volume decrease by orders of magnitude? Would they not lose structural integrity on return - do they fully return to normal, or is the freeze-out area damaged?

What about non-plastic foams? For example, there's foamed aluminum on the market today, also being looked at for cryogenic applications in cases. Would it not crush? Would it inflate without damage or would the cells rupture? At the very least one would expect some problems, as aluminum is a fatigue-prone metal...

Searched for an hour or two today and couldn't find any information on this.

Thanks :)
 
I still have been unable to find any information, unfortunately.
 

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