Studies on Type 3 Composite-Overwrapped Pressure Vessels: Optimization Using an Elasticity Approach

The use of Composite Overwrap Pressure Vessels (COPVs) is critical for efficient compressed gas storage and transport applications. While Type 3 and Type 4 COPVs have been in widespread use globally, the demand for COPVs is growing rapidly owing, in a large part, to initiatives to combat climate change. This study focuses on Type 3 COPVs, based on an aluminum liner of the kind typically utilized in SCBA, CNG, and such other gas containment applications. In this study, a layer-wise, elasticity-based approach is utilized to analyze the COPV, away from the ends, taking the combined contributions of the metallic liner (aluminum 6061) and the carbon-fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite overwrap. The influence of liner wall thickness on the COPV performance is also explored.