Low velocity impact simulation of cylindrical section for type IV composite pressure vessels

The Successful development of composite materials for compressed natural gas (CNG) storage cylinders started with type II down to type IV which in turn can achieve weight savings up to 75% compared to the type I vessels. Designing of pressure vessel against impact is a major challenge, mainly because the impact loads are not known, or at least very badly defined. This problem becomes more dangerous especially when these vessels are fabricate by more fragile carbon fiber only. The aim of this study is to simulate numerically the behavior of type IV composite pressure vessels with different parameters under low velocity impact loading. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) over a high density polyethylene (HDPE) liner, produced by filament winding technology was utilized for cylindrical section fabrication of type IV vessels. An advanced 3-D FE model will be used to simulate cylindrical section of type IV pressure vessel under impact loading. The variables that will be analyzed in this study are stacking sequence, target thickness and impact energy levels, by using commercial finite element software ABAQUS. The results of impact events are usually presented by a series of force -displacement charts at different selected conditions which can give an indication on the impact resistance. Output results will be the force-displacement charts and load carrying capacity caused by low velocity impact (LVI) as well as the progressive damage and failure prediction based on Hashin’s theory.