Interpreting the information given in a thermogram can be a difficult task under ideal circumstances and extremely challenging in a real world setting. The work discussed in this paper illustrates how the microstructure of several commonly found defects in composite structures relate to their thermographie image counterpart. Two test cases are studied herein, including a large graphite/epoxy RP-1 fuel tank and a graphite composite cryogenic fuel feedline. The structures used in this study were designed to serve as manufacturing proof of concept specimens and to undergo hydroburst testing to verify manufacturing practices and structural design. Prior to hydrostatic testing the structures underwent 100% thermographic evaluation to ensure that no manufacturing or handling damage was present. Due to a large inclusion found in the feedline, it was pulled from service and dissected without performing the hydroproof. The thermographie indications found in the RP-1 tank were below critical limits so it underwent a complete hydroproof loading series and finally a hydroburst. Following the hydroburst samples were cut from the tank in regions where thermography had located damage before the test. These regions were re-evaluated thermographically and then were cross-sectioned and photomicrographed.

From a March 2001 symposium in Phoenix, Arizona, 17 papers consider such topics as tabbed versus untabbed fiber-reinforced composite compression, qualification using a nested experimental design, determining and characterizing imperfections in composite pressure vessels, philosophies for assessing t

With his work, Martin Nebe provides principal insights into the mechanical response of composite pressure vessels subjected to internal pressure. By establishing and validating an in situ characterization methodology, the vessel’s geometry, its deformation behavior and the damage evolution process under internal pressure loading become accessible. This not only permits to trace back certain phenomena related to the manufacturing of these components but also allows to verify analytical and numerical modeling strategies. The exercised correlation of predicted and experimental results delivers detailed insights into design considerations to composite pressure vessels such as the definition of stacking sequence. The transfer of knowledge to a fullscale vessel geometry, which is representative for the use in fuel cell electric vehicles underlines the industrial application of this work. By combining numerical modeling, filament winding and experimental characterization, this work provides a sound foundation for future developments in the area of composite pressure vessels used for hydrogen storage.

Innovative design coupled with realistic analysis is an important step towards achieving robust, safe and economical pressure vessels and piping technology. This volume of Pressure Vessels and Piping: Codes, Standards, Design and Analysis, is an effort to share the recent advances in design approaches, current issues in the design of special equipments such as valves, supports, bellows, gaskets etc., structural integrity, and life prediction and assessment methodologies for pressure vessel components. Critical examination of design codes, standards and their impending improvements along with material issues have been highlighted in several reviews. Recent advances in theoretical finite element modelling along with testing and evaluation of critical components envisaged for operation in hostile and inaccessible environments have been presented through several original contributions. The book is a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration to students, scientists, design engineers, plant personnel and technology managers.