Design of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) using a carbon fibre reinforced polymer and filament winding

Five valid axial tensile tests were performed in samples of CFRP using a DARTEC 100 kN servo hydraulic machine according with standard ASTM D3039/D 3039 M (2002) in order to determine the mechanical properties of the material, and a displacement transducer or strain gages were used to determine strains induced in the composite during experimental axial tensile tests, Then, several FE numerical simulations were carried out in order to verify the compliance of a redesigned SCBA with the functional requirements, and the main manufacturing parameters were also determined. Furthermore, experimental internal pressure tests were carried out in a pressure vessel similar to the redesigned SCBA. The results of FE simulations and experimental tests were compared and conclusions could be drawn.