Modeling and Failure Analysis of Tubular Braided and Filament Winding Composite Structures

Abstract

The central objective of this master’s research is to develop and analyze two types of carbon fiber-reinforced composite structures—Filament Winding and Braided Winding—for the application in hydrogen storage vessels. This work focuses on the geometric modeling of these textile structures and explores how their structural parameters influence the mechanical performance and failure modes of the resulting composite vessels. Both composite structures studied in this thesis are based on Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (FRPCs). The thesis is organized into three main chapters. Chapter One provides a concise overview of the types, applica- tions, and current research trends surrounding textile FRPC structures, emphasizing their role in advanced energy storage technologies. Chapter Two presents a kind of geometrical modeling method and applies finite element framework to analyze braided winding structures, investigating how braid angle affects overall structural response. Chapter Three details the finite element modeling approach developed for filament winding composite structures, with a particular focus on the influence of winding angles, winding pattern, and other key geometric parameters on mechan- ical behavior and failure mechanisms. The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights into the design and optimization of carbon fiber compos- ite structures for hydrogen storage applications.