Experimental and numerical analyses on the failure of composite cylinders with a novel conformal reinforcement structure

Abstract

In this paper, a novel conformal reinforcement structure for the perforated composite pressure shell is proposed, addressing the limitations of traditional reinforcement structures in maintaining the outer shape. Two composite shell specimens-one without an opening and the other with an opening and conformal reinforcement structure-were fabricated. Hydrostatic pressure tests were conducted on the two specimens, and their mechanical responses were recorded using a strain acquisition system. Finite element (FE) models for the two specimens were developed, and their stability and strength failures were systematically analyzed. The comparison between experimental results and FE simulation findings reveals that the openings significantly reduce the strength failure pressure, while the proposed conformal reinforcement structure effectively restores the perforated shell's strength to its original level.