Pressurized Ring Test for Composite Pressure Vessel Hoop Strength and Stiffness Evaluation

Abstract

With the expanding use of composite pressure vessels, including space, tactical, and civil applications, accurate prediction of performance becomes increasingly important. A critical parameter in performance prediction is the burst strength, as measured by the hoop fiber ultimate strain-to-failure. This paper discusses a newly developed test method that is capable of pressure testing 50.8-cm diameter rings with representative composite pressure vessels' laminate thicknesses and lay-ups. Tests of rings with various laminate thicknesses and lay-ups showed excellent agreement with measured delivered fiber strength and stiffness in full-scale composite pressure vessels. Test data show nearly a one-to-one scaling in strength.