First-ply failure strength of laminated composite pressure vessels

Abstract

Strengths of laminated composite pressure vessels are studied via both analytical and experimental approaches. Experimental techniques are presented to determine the first-ply failure and burst strengths of laminated composite pressure vessels with different lamination arrangements. Different analytical methods, together with various failure criteria, are used to predict the first-ply failure strengths of the laminated pressure vessels. The accuracy of the theoretical prediction of first-ply failure strength is verified by the test data. The suitability of the failure criteria, as well as the limitations of the analytical methods are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.