Design and Development of a Novel Destructive Testing Method for Dome Regions of Type V Composite Pressure Vessels

Institut

Lehrstuhl für Carbon Composites

Typ

Bachelorarbeit / Semesterarbeit / Masterarbeit /

Inhalt

experimentell / konstruktiv /  

Beschreibung

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, renowned for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, are increasingly
employed as load-bearing structural elements in both the aerospace and automotive sectors. In
recent years, both industries have witnessed a growing demand for composite overwrapped pressure vessels
(COPVs), driven by economic, environmental, and competitive considerations. This rising demand has not only
intensified market competition but also elevated the technical and regulatory requirements associated with
these components. Consequently, new challenges have emerged across the entire value chain. To address
these evolving demands and to enable further innovation and optimization, a comprehensive understanding of
the design, development, and manufacturing processes of COPVs is essential.

This research introduces a targeted testing methodology for the dome regions of COPVs, aiming to address a
critical gap in current structural validation practices. In contrast to conventional burst pressure tests, which are
costly and non-specific, the proposed method is intended to enable localized mechanical assessment of geometrically
complex areas, without the need for full-scale prototypes or extensive infrastructure. To implement
this, a test rig for the half-spherical dome areas, compatible with the current tank geometries used at the chair,
will first be designed and manufactured. In a second step, the rig will be interfaced with the existing UTMs at
the LCC, to verify the design. For this purpose, tank geometries with a predefined layup will be produced, with
particular focus on the layup in the dome area. Testing these structures afterwards will provide a verification of
the designed test procedure and a more detailed view to the strength in the dome areas.

Research focus of the thesis
• Design of a test rig for dome regions in terms of manufacturability and stability
• Manufacturing of wound structures for testing, based on current designs
• Verification of the test rig based on current data
• Development of a testing methodology for dome regions

Voraussetzungen

• Reliable, analytic and independent way of working
• Good knowledge of technical mathematics, mechanics, machine elements and composites
• Experience in programming and data processing is beneficial (e.g. Python, Matlab)
• Knowledge of winding processes and testing of composites is beneficial
• Practical experience in student initiatives is preferred

Möglicher Beginn

sofort

Kontakt

Kevin Banea
Raum: 5504.01.434
Tel.: 08928915128
kevin.baneatum.de

Ausschreibung