Selection and strength check on fasteners of protective structure in cryogenic wind tunnel

Abstract Protective structure, acted as a substructure of internal insulation system in cryogenic wind tunnel, is in possession of such advantages of isolating insulation unit from cryogenic medium and reducing cold energy loss. However, the protective structure is continuously subjected to alternating pressure during the operation of cryogenic wind tunnel. Thus, the type selection and strength check on connecting fastener, acted as weak bearing component in protective structure, are investigated. Firstly, according to the composition of protective structure, three key connecting positions are determined and the corresponding connecting fasteners are selected. Then, according to the cryogenic wind tunnel working condition, the theoretical mechanical models of connecting fasteners are built under different working conditions. Finally, involving the force and moment balance, mechanics analysis and strength check are conducted on connecting fasteners. The obtained results show that the selected fasteners are conformed to the strength requirement of cryogenic wind tunnel in service, which paves the way for building the cryogenic wind tunnel in the future.