Comparison of optimal design methods for type 3 high-pressure storage tanks

This study compares different optimal design methods for producing two-angle filament-wound structures able to withstand under internal pressure. In recent years, studies have concentrated on materials and their damage behaviour as well as winding optimisation techniques in relation to vessel geometry and manufacturing processes, but none of these studies has established a definitive design rule. In the present paper, two developed methods, one based on a basic CPT with gradual damage and enumerative optimisation, the other a more sophisticated finite element (FE) method with Reddy's progressive damage law and genetic algorithm (GA) optimisation are compared to recent results based on CDM theory and a 3D FE technique incorporating a modified GA. The results were used to compare the advantages and limitations of each method and to derive simple design rules and calculation strategies that would reliably obtain a very good CPU cost/efficiency ratio. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.