Evaluation of modeling techniques for a type III hydrogen pressure vessel (70 MPa) made of an aluminum liner and a thick carbon/epoxy composite for fuel cell vehicles

Stress distributions in the composite layers of a Type III hydrogen pressure vessel composed of a thin aluminum liner (5 mm) and a thick composite laminate (45 mm) were calculated by using three different modeling techniques. The results were analyzed and compared with the plausible stress distribution calculated by a full ply-based modeling technique. A laminate-based modeling technique underestimated the generated stresses especially at the border between the cylinder and dome parts. A hybrid modeling technique combining a laminate-based modeling for the dome part with a ply-based modeling for the cylinder part was also tried, but it overestimated the generated stresses at the border. In order for the ply-based modeling technique to carry out precise analysis, a fiber trajectory function for the dome part was derived and the composite thickness variation was also considered.

► A full ply-based modeling technique provided the most accurate stress distribution.
► A fiber trajectory function at the dome part was derived.
► Thickness variation of dome part was considered for accurate stress distribution.