Mechanical performance assessment of Composite Type IV Hydrogen Tanks with high-fidelity finite element models
Topic(s) : Special Sessions
Co-authors :
Nazim ALI (BELGIUM), Marie HONDEKYN (BELGIUM), Wim VAN PAEPEGEM (BELGIUM)Abstract :
Composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) are utilized in the transportation sector for the storage of highly pressurized hydrogen gas, providing a lightweight design and enhanced resistance to hydrogen. The mechanical behavior of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) under various loading conditions can be estimated using finite element analysis (FEA) to save the experimentation cost at the preliminary stages of design. The accuracy of the finite element analysis of composite pressure vessels depends significantly on precise ply geometry and accurate material orientation. However, the solid elements-based mesh models generated by ComposicaD do not precisely capture the profiles of hoop and helical plies which ultimately leads to inaccurate estimation of the mechanical response of overwrapped composite laminate. Therefore, laser scanner experiments were performed to investigate the geometric variations in the overwrapped composite laminate of Type-IV pressure vessels. The discrepancies between the profiles generated by ComposicaD and those obtained from the scanned model are illustrated in Error! Reference source not found..
Next, a methodology has been developed by integrating the positive features of multiple CAD/CAE tools to generate a high-quality mesh model that incorporates the accurate profiles of plies of the overwrapped composite laminate. A three-dimensional CAD model of Type-IV pressure vessel and solid elements-based mesh model of overwrapped composite laminate are shown in Fig. 2. This methodology facilitates the discrete material orientation assignment for each ply and simplifies contact modeling for interacting surfaces of the consecutive plies.
In the literature, mostly shell elements-based mesh models are used, primarily focusing on the estimation of burst pressure without incorporating the geometric corrections for overwrapped composite laminate. The developed methodology can be applied to investigate the mechanical response of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) under static, dynamic, and cyclic loading conditions, all of which are critical in the lifecycle of Type-IV pressure vessels. Initially, the study is performed for static loading conditions, revealing no convergence issues. Subsequently, the study will be expanded to include impact loading conditions.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Plastic Omnium for the collaboration and support in this research work.
Next, a methodology has been developed by integrating the positive features of multiple CAD/CAE tools to generate a high-quality mesh model that incorporates the accurate profiles of plies of the overwrapped composite laminate. A three-dimensional CAD model of Type-IV pressure vessel and solid elements-based mesh model of overwrapped composite laminate are shown in Fig. 2. This methodology facilitates the discrete material orientation assignment for each ply and simplifies contact modeling for interacting surfaces of the consecutive plies.
In the literature, mostly shell elements-based mesh models are used, primarily focusing on the estimation of burst pressure without incorporating the geometric corrections for overwrapped composite laminate. The developed methodology can be applied to investigate the mechanical response of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) under static, dynamic, and cyclic loading conditions, all of which are critical in the lifecycle of Type-IV pressure vessels. Initially, the study is performed for static loading conditions, revealing no convergence issues. Subsequently, the study will be expanded to include impact loading conditions.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Plastic Omnium for the collaboration and support in this research work.