Stacking Sequence Effect of Multi–angle Filament Wound Tubular Composite Structures

Abstract

Pressure–retaining tubular structures made from polymer fibre reinforced composites are commonly wound with uniform winding angles. Modern production equipment allows for the fabrication of multi–angle layup configurations. Performance improvements of multi–angle layups in comparison to those with uniform winding angles have been reported for structures that are operated under variable biaxial stress states. Designing components with multi–angle layups is a complex task, as the proper winding angles as well as stacking sequence need to be determined. In this study, the influence of the stacking sequence on the strength of multi–angle filament wound tubes was investigated experimentally. Applying axial force and internal pressure, tubes of a certain layup and tubes with the inverted stacking sequence were subjected to different biaxial stress states. Stresses/strains at failure and failure modes were compared. Certain combinations of stacking sequence and biaxial stress state were found to result in increased strength. To confirm experimental findings, an analytical investigation is included in this study.