Probabilistic deformation and strength prediction for a filament wound pressure vessel

In this study; probabilistic analysis and experimental tests are conducted to predict the probabilistic deformation and strength of composite pressure vessels subjected to inner pressure loading. A computer code was utilized for the progressive failure analysis and probabilistic strength analysis with the Edgeworth expansion method and the Monte-Carlo method. The effects of design random variables on the structural behavior of the composite pressure vessel were quantified by probabilistic analysis. Three design random variables with uncertainties were selected: (1) composite elastic constants; (2) lamina strength; and (3) the thickness of the helical and hoop layer. The accuracy of probabilistic analysis was verified by comparing the predicted results with the experimental hoop strain or with the burst pressure obtained by a hydro-test with ten composite pressure vessels. The improvement of the structural design based on the probabilistic analysis is also discussed. The sensitivities of each response to the design random variables were evaluated and conclusions are drawn concerning the relative importance of these variables in the design problem. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.