Minimum weight design of pressure vessel with constraints on stiffness and strength

TLDR: In this paper, a new design method of composite pressure vessel with constraints on stiffness and strength is proposed, where a netting analysis approach is used to develop an optimization procedure, and the minimum lamination weight is determined from the condition of active execution of two constraints.

Abstract: A new design method of composite pressure vessel with constraints on stiffness and strength is proposed in this paper. A netting analysis approach is used to develop an optimization procedure. Filament wound pressure vessels are assumed to have adjacent ({+-}{phi}) angle lay ups. It is proved that laminate of two layer orientations has minimum weight. The additional constraint on strength of the first layer forming vessel`s dome is used. Minimum lamination weight is determined from the condition of active execution of two constraints. Two examples are given to obtain optimum layer orientations, thicknesses and materials. Pressure vessel without change in cylindrical diameter or length can be made. For comparison purpose, calculations of stresses are done in orthotropic material using classical lamination theory. Matrix degrades at 30 to 50% of ultimate load without fiber failure. It is allowable because elastomeric liners are used to prevent leakage due to matrix cracking.