Progressive failure analysis and burst mode study of type IV composite vessels

The lightweight high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels composed of polymer liner and composite reinforced layers have attracted more and more attention. In this research, a 2D axisymmetric finite element model was proposed to predict the damage evolution, failure strength and failure mode of the composite overwrapped pressure vessels, in which a user subroutine UMAT based on Hashin failure criteria was introduced to simulate the progressive damage properties of the composite material. The FE models are validated by comparison with the experimental results, and the error between the numerical simulation results and the experimental results was within 10%. It is found that vessels with different lay-up schemes might burst in different locations. Parametric studies are performed to obtain a critical ratio of hoop and helical layers to keep the vessel burst in safe mode.

Automated summary

A 2D axisymmetric finite element model was proposed in this study to predict the damage evolution, failure strength, and failure mode of the composite overwrapped pressure vessels. The model, validated by experimental results, revealed that vessels with different lay-up schemes might burst in different locations. Parametric studies were conducted to obtain a critical ratio of hoop and helical layers for safe vessel bursting.