Modeling and simulation of a composite high-pressure vessel made of sustainable and renewable alternative fibers

Abstract To substitute the standard carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite, sustainable and renewable alternative fibers are investigated for the use of high-pressure vessel through a finite element model. The standard T700S carbon fiber pressure vessel exhibits a minimum burst pressure of 1483 bar on the first layer oriented at 90°. The burst occurs in the central part showing a safe burst and the radial deformation reaches 1.12 mm. Several alternative fibers (basalt, E-glass, flax and recycled T700S carbon) are compared to the T700S carbon fiber. It results of lower burst pressures and none of the alternative composites caters for the minimum pressure threshold of 1400 bar. According to the storage pressure and in respect of the mechanical requirements, hybrid vessels integrating alternative and T700S carbon fibers are proposed to improve physical, environmental and economic performances. From an economic point of view, the optimal vessels are the E-glass/T700S carbon hybrid vessel and E-glass vessel for 700 and 350 bar, respectively. Regarding the environmental impact, the most suitable fibers are basalt/T700S carbon for a 700-bar storage and E-glass for 350 bar. Concerning the vessel mass, T700S carbon composite stays obviously the best candidate for a 700-bar storage but at 350 bar T700S carbon/flax fibers composite appears to be more efficient.