Numerical simulation of pressure vessel explosions using metallic and composite materials: A comparative study

Abstract

In light of the growing interest in hydrogen as an eco-friendly fuel source, ensuring the safe transportation of hydrogen is becoming increasingly vital for future mobility solutions. This research delves into the structural responses of various pressure vessel designs when exposed to explosive events, simulating hydrogen releases through finite element analysis. The study employs a TNT equivalent model to represent the energy liberated during a pressurized gas explosion. The objective is to compare the performance of metallic pressure vessels with two composite variants: one based on Quasi-Isotropic composites and the other utilizing the Double-Double fabrication technique. The analysis centers on stress and deformation within each model. The findings reveal that steel and Quasi-Isotropic models exhibited maximum stresses close to 5000 MPa, showcasing variations in stress distribution. In contrast, the Double-Double composite experienced higher stress levels, nearing 8000 MPa. In terms of deformation, steel exhibited the smallest displacement, followed by Quasi-Isotropic and Double-Double, with respective values of approximately 8 mm, 6 mm, and 4 mm.