Structural health monitoring of composite pressure vessels using guided ultrasonic waves
Composite pressure vessels are important components in the storage of gases under high pressure. Among others, a common type of pressure vessel is made of a metal liner overwrapped with a fibre-reinforced plastic material. Conventional hydrostatic tests, used to assess the integrity
of pressure vessels, may overstress the material and thus reduce the remaining lifetime of the tested component. Therefore, a truly non-destructive structural health monitoring (SHM) system would not only ensure a safer usage and extended lifetime, but also remove the necessity for periodic
inspection and the testing of pressure vessels. The authors propose the use of guided ultrasonic waves, which have the potential to detect the main damage types, such as cracking in the metal liner, fibre breaks and composite matrix delamination. For the design of such an SHM system, multimodal
ultrasonic wave propagation and defect-mode interaction must be fully understood. In this paper, simulation results obtained by means of finite element modelling (FEM) are presented. Based on the findings, suggestions are made regarding appropriate wave modes and their interaction with different
flaw types, as well as the necessary excitation and suitable sensor configurations. Finally, a first approach for a reliable SHM system for composite pressure vessels is suggested.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 March 2018
- Official Journal of The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing - includes original research and development papers, technical and scientific reviews and case studies in the fields of NDT and CM.
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