Influence of fiber slippage coefficient distributions on the geometry and performance of composite pressure vessels

In this article, the effects of several slippage coefficient distributions on the geometry, fiber trajectories, and the structural efficiency of non‐geodesic domes are evaluated for composite pressure vessels. Several functions, which ensure C¹ continuity of the winding trajectories, are respectively used to describe the slippage coefficient distributions along the fiber paths. With the aid of the fiber slippage law and the optimality condition of equal shell strains, the differential equations that govern the non‐geodesics–based dome shapes and related fiber trajectories are formulated. The meridian profiles and winding angle developments of the carbon–epoxy domes are obtained based on the given slippage coefficient distributions; their structural performances are then determined and compared with each other. The results conclude that the non‐geodesic dome designed using the maximum constant slippage coefficient exhibits better performance than those using other slippage coefficient distributions; this is mainly triggered by maximum utilization of the longitudinal strength of the laminate. It is also revealed that the structural efficiency of domed pressure vessels can be improved using non‐geodesics that provide higher degrees of freedom in the design of filament wound structures. POLYM. COMPOS., 315–321, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers