DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF CARBON FIBER REINFORCED PRESSURE VESSELS

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the structural design and mechanical performance of carbon fiber-reinforced pressure vessels, which have become increasingly prominent in high performance engineering sectors due to their outstanding strength to weight ratio. The research primarily explores the effects of varying composite winding angles - specifically 30°, 45°, and 75°- along with different layer thickness configurations on the vessels’ structural behaviour. These variables were examined through finite element analysis in terms of stress distribution, deformation response, and failure susceptibility under internal loading conditions. The von Mises stress analysis indicated that the configuration with a 75° winding angle exhibits the lowest stress concentration among all tested cases. This suggests that the 75° angle is the most structurally favourable, contributing to enhanced mechanical safety and durability. To further evaluate the failure behaviour, the study employed the Tsai-Hill, Tsai-Wu, and Maximum Stress failure criteria. These established composite failure theories were utilized to determine the optimal set of design parameters that would minimize the likelihood of structural failure. Moreover, the investigation extended to a comparative analysis of titanium and composite layer thickness combinations. The results revealed that layer thickness significantly influences not only the stress levels but also the displacement characteristics of the structure. Accordingly, the study proposes optimized thickness configurations that improve structural performance while maintaining safety margins. In conclusion, the findings confirm that carbon fiber-reinforced pressure vessels offer considerable advantages over traditional metal vessels, particularly in applications where weight reduction and mechanical efficiency are critical. The insights derived from this study contribute valuable knowledge toward the design of advanced, lightweight, and structurally reliable composite pressure vessels.