Multi-sequence dome lay-up simulations for hydrogen hyper-bar composite pressure vessels

The aim of this study is to propose a calculation method for predicting the geometrical characteristics of the end-closures of composite pressure vessels used in gaseous hydrogen storage applications. We present here a method for predicting the characteristics of domes made by multi-sequence lay-up and subject to changes in winding angle and thickness. In the proposed model, winding angle and thickness calculations are based on two existing methods that have been investigated in a single dome lay-up context. Using them for multi-sequence dome lay-up calculation is the originality of this work. The first predictive results are compared with experimental pressure vessel data and discussed. A good correlation between the theoretical approach and the experiments was found, indicating that the predictions could be helpful in a procedure of overall optimisation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.