Figure: Carbon‑fiber tank dome flat‑panel self‑destruction test site
Test Content and Core Results Meet Targets
This test targeted the composite tank dome structure of the launch vehicle, using T800 carbon‑fiber composite flat panels to simulate the actual dome configuration. A controlled self‑destruction test was conducted via shaped‑charge cutting to simulate the safe destruct scenario under in‑flight failure conditions. The test system verified the capability of the cutting cord to rapidly tear open the dome and vent propellants under extreme conditions, aiming to effectively mitigate the risk of tank overpressure explosion.
Test results showed that after the cutting cord detonation, the dome flat panel was rapidly and fully penetrated along the preset path, with clean cuts and swift response, immediately establishing a propellant venting path and quickly releasing the internal pressure.
Figure: Annular tear and immediate vent formation at the tank dome after the self‑destruction test
Technical Significance and Engineering Value
Carbon‑fiber composites, with their high specific strength and stiffness, have become the core pathway for launch vehicle lightweighting. WeLight has previously completed the manufacturing and verification of China's first LOX/methane carbon‑fiber common‑dome tank engineering unit, adopting a liner‑free T800‑grade all‑carbon‑fiber solution that achieves 30% structural weight reduction, 90% shorter production cycle, and a cost of approximately 70% of traditional materials.
Figure: Cross‑section morphology of the tank dome remnant after controlled tearing
This self‑destruction test precisely calibrated the actual effectiveness of the flight termination system on composite tanks, providing direct evidence for system reliability assessment. The test data will support the overall design optimization of composite tanks and the development of range safety plans, marking a critical step for China's commercial space sector in composite tank technology – from "being able to build" to "using reliably and controlling confidently."
The success of this test marks another significant breakthrough for WeLight in the full‑chain key technologies of carbon‑fiber composite tank development. The company will continue to uphold its core philosophy of "technological innovation at its core and commercial value as the driving force," providing solid technical support for the development and launch safety of China's commercial reusable launch vehicles.
