Structural Integrity of Composite-Lined Hydrogen Storage Tanks at Operating Pressures

Author(s):  
Y. B. Guo ◽  
J. L. Parham

Hydrogen may appear to be an attractive alternative fuel due to its obvious environmental and potentials of significant technical and economic advantages, the design and manufacture a safe and reliable hydrogen tank is the number one priority for development and deployment of hydrogen technology. Compared with aluminum-lined hydrogen tanks, composite tanks offer advantages of lightweight and conformability. Real life tank testing is very expensive and time consuming. In this study, a finite element analysis (FEA) tool has been developed to provide a more economical alternative for composite hydrogen tank analysis at operating pressures of 35 MPa, 45 MPa, and 70 MPa. It was found that the carbon-fiber/epoxy shell acts as the primary structural member, unlike an aluminum-lined tank where the liner acts performs this function. Critical portions of the tanks were found to be the top and bottom domes as well as the interaction between the liner and boss. Some slight plastic deformation was found to occur in the liner at 70 MPa, though under the 35 MPa and 45 MPa loads, the liner exhibited only elastic behavior. The shell elastically deformed in all loading cases, which results in very low residual stress and strain values following the load release. The results may help manufacturers improve tank safety in the design and manufacture of composite hydrogen.

Author(s):  
J. L. Parham ◽  
Y. B. Guo ◽  
W. H. Sutton

With the fuel prices reaching record highs and ever-increasing tighter environmental policies, hydrogen-powered vehicles have great potential to substantially increase overall fuel economy, reduce vehicle emissions, and decrease dependence on foreign oil imports. While hydrogen fuel is exciting for automotive industries due to its potentials of significant technical and economic advantages, design and manufacture safe and reliable hydrogen tanks is recognized as the number one priority in hydrogen technology development and deployment. Real life testing of tank performance is extremely useful, but very time consuming, expensive, and lacks a rigorous scientific basis, which prohibits the development of a more reliable hydrogen tank. However, very few testing and simulation results can be found in public literature. This paper focused on the development of an efficient finite element analysis (FEA) tool to provide a more economical alternative for hydrogen tank analysis, though it may not be an all-out replacement for physical testing. A FEA model has been developed for the hydrogen tank with 6061-T6 aluminum liner and carbon-fiber/epoxy shell to investigate the tank integrity at pre-stresses of 45.5 MPa, 70 MPa, and 105 MPa and operating pressures of 35 MPa, 70 MPa, and 105 MPa. The residual stresses induced by different pre-stresses are at the equivalent level in the middle section but vary significantly in other tank sections. Residual stress magnitudes may saturate at a certain pre-stress level. In contrast, the residual strains in the middle section increases with pre-stress. The simulation results indicate that the optimal pre-stress level depends on the specific operating pressure to enhance tank integrity. A certain area of the neck and the top and bottom domes also experiences peak stress and strain at pre-stressing and regular operating pressures. The research findings may help manufacturing industries to build safety into manufacturing practices of hydrogen storage infrastructures.


Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham

The gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC©) is a simple, compact and low-cost separator, which provides an economically attractive alternative to conventional gravity based separators over a wide range of applications. As shown in Figure 1, over the past 20 years more than 6,000 GLCC’s have been installed around the world by the Petroleum and related industries. However, to-date no systematic study has been carried out on its structural integrity. The GLCC inlet section design is a key parameter, which is crucial for its performance and proper operation. This paper presents Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation results aimed at investigating the effect of various parameters on the inlet section structural integrity. Finally, recommendations on design modifications are presented, directed at strengthening the inlet section.


2017 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas Swaroop Kolla ◽  
Ram S. Mohan ◽  
Ovadia Shoham

The gas–liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) is a simple, compact, and low-cost separator, which provides an economically attractive alternative to conventional gravity-based separators over a wide range of applications. Over the past 22 years, more than 6500 GLCCs have been installed around the world by the petroleum and related industries. However, to date no systematic study has been carried out on its structural integrity. The GLCC inlet section design is a key parameter, which is crucial for its performance and proper operation. This paper presents finite element analysis simulation results aimed at investigating the effect of various parameters on the inlet section structural integrity. Finally, recommendations on design modifications are presented, directed at strengthening the inlet section.


1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-62
Author(s):  
A. L. A. Costa ◽  
M. Natalini ◽  
M. F. Inglese ◽  
O. A. M. Xavier

Abstract Because the structural integrity of brake systems and tires can be related to the temperature, this work proposes a transient heat transfer finite element analysis (FEA) model to study the overheating in drum brake systems used in trucks and urban buses. To understand the mechanics of overheating, some constructive variants have been modeled regarding the assemblage: brake, rims, and tires. The model simultaneously studies the thermal energy generated by brakes and tires and how the heat is transferred and dissipated by conduction, convection, and radiation. The simulated FEA data and the experimental temperature profiles measured with thermocouples have been compared giving good correlation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 5871-5883 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Melbourne ◽  
J. Griffin ◽  
D. N. Schmidt ◽  
E. J. Rayfield

Abstract. Coralline algae are important habitat formers found on all rocky shores. While the impact of future ocean acidification on the physiological performance of the species has been well studied, little research has focused on potential changes in structural integrity in response to climate change. A previous study using 2-D Finite Element Analysis (FEA) suggested increased vulnerability to fracture (by wave action or boring) in algae grown under high CO2 conditions. To assess how realistically 2-D simplified models represent structural performance, a series of increasingly biologically accurate 3-D FE models that represent different aspects of coralline algal growth were developed. Simplified geometric 3-D models of the genus Lithothamnion were compared to models created from computed tomography (CT) scan data of the same genus. The biologically accurate model and the simplified geometric model representing individual cells had similar average stresses and stress distributions, emphasising the importance of the cell walls in dissipating the stress throughout the structure. In contrast models without the accurate representation of the cell geometry resulted in larger stress and strain results. Our more complex 3-D model reiterated the potential of climate change to diminish the structural integrity of the organism. This suggests that under future environmental conditions the weakening of the coralline algal skeleton along with increased external pressures (wave and bioerosion) may negatively influence the ability for coralline algae to maintain a habitat able to sustain high levels of biodiversity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Prati ◽  
João Paulo Mendes Tribst ◽  
Amanda Maria de Oliveira Dal Piva ◽  
Alexandre Luiz Souto Borges ◽  
Maurizio Ventre ◽  
...  

The aim of the present investigation was to calculate the stress distribution generated in the root dentine canal during mechanical rotation of five different NiTi endodontic instruments by means of a finite element analysis (FEA). Two conventional alloy NiTi instruments F360 25/04 and F6 Skytaper 25/06, in comparison to three heat treated alloys NiTI Hyflex CM 25/04, Protaper Next 25/06 and One Curve 25/06 were considered and analyzed. The instruments’ flexibility (reaction force) and geometrical features (cross section, conicity) were previously investigated. For each instrument, dentine root canals with two different elastic moduli(18 and 42 GPa) were simulated with defined apical ratios. Ten different CAD instrument models were created and their mechanical behaviors were analyzed by a 3D-FEA. Static structural analyses were performed with a non-failure condition, since a linear elastic behavior was assumed for all components. All the instruments generated a stress area concentration in correspondence to the root canal curvature at approx. 7 mm from the apex. The maximum values were found when instruments were analyzed in the highest elastic modulus dentine canal. Strain and von Mises stress patterns showed a higher concentration in the first part of curved radius of all the instruments. Conventional Ni-Ti endodontic instruments demonstrated higher stress magnitudes, regardless of the conicity of 4% and 6%, and they showed the highest von Mises stress values in sound, as well as in mineralized dentine canals. Heat-treated endodontic instruments with higher flexibility values showed a reduced stress concentration map. Hyflex CM 25/04 displayed the lowest von Mises stress values of, respectively, 35.73 and 44.30 GPa for sound and mineralized dentine. The mechanical behavior of all rotary endodontic instruments was influenced by the different elastic moduli and by the dentine canal rigidity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saurabhi Samant ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Shijia Zhao ◽  
Behram Khan ◽  
Mohammadali Sharzehee ◽  
...  

AbstractLeft main (LM) coronary artery bifurcation stenting is a challenging topic due to the distinct anatomy and wall structure of LM. In this work, we investigated computationally and experimentally the mechanical performance of a novel everolimus-eluting stent (SYNERGY MEGATRON) purpose-built for interventions to large proximal coronary segments, including LM. MEGATRON stent has been purposefully designed to sustain its structural integrity at higher expansion diameters and to provide optimal lumen coverage. Four patient-specific LM geometries were 3D reconstructed and stented computationally with finite element analysis in a well-validated computational stent simulation platform under different homogeneous and heterogeneous plaque conditions. Four different everolimus-eluting stent designs (9-peak prototype MEGATRON, 10-peak prototype MEGATRON, 12-peak MEGATRON, and SYNERGY) were deployed computationally in all bifurcation geometries at three different diameters (i.e., 3.5, 4.5, and 5.0 mm). The stent designs were also expanded experimentally from 3.5 to 5.0 mm (blind analysis). Stent morphometric and biomechanical indices were calculated in the computational and experimental studies. In the computational studies the 12-peak MEGATRON exhibited significantly greater expansion, better scaffolding, smaller vessel prolapse, and greater radial strength (expressed as normalized hoop force) than the 9-peak MEGATRON, 10-peak MEGATRON, or SYNERGY (p < 0.05). Larger stent expansion diameters had significantly better radial strength and worse scaffolding than smaller stent diameters (p < 0.001). Computational stenting showed comparable scaffolding and radial strength with experimental stenting. 12-peak MEGATRON exhibited better mechanical performance than the 9-peak MEGATRON, 10-peak MEGATRON, or SYNERGY. Patient-specific computational LM stenting simulations can accurately reproduce experimental stent testing, providing an attractive framework for cost- and time-effective stent research and development.


2013 ◽  
Vol 823 ◽  
pp. 247-250
Author(s):  
Jie Dong ◽  
Wen Ming Cheng ◽  
Yang Zhi Ren ◽  
Yu Pu Wang

Because of the huge lifting weight and complex structure of large-tonnage gantry crane and in order to effectively design and review it, this paper aims to carry out a research on its structural performance based on the method of theoretical calculation and finite element analysis. During the early period of design, the method of theoretical calculations is adopted, and after specific design it comes the finite element analysis, so as to get the results of analysis under a variety of operating conditions, which illustrates that the structural design and review of large-tonnage gantry crane based on theoretical calculations and finite element are feasible, and also verifies that the method of finite element is an effective way to find a real dangerous cross-section, thus providing the basis for the design and manufacture of the crane structure.


1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie H. Swindle ◽  
Beth A. Todd ◽  
James F. Cuttino

Abstract Human bodies depend on a steady flow of oxygen for the heart and lungs. When a person has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), a device called an oxygen concentrator can be used to improve quality of life. An oxygen concentrator is an electrically powered device that takes in room air and converts it to an oxygen rich gas mixture suitable for breathing. Although a few models are battery powered, oxygen concentrators are not easily portable because they are bulky and weigh between 25–50 lbs. In this study, components were identified for re design to reduce the overall weight of the device. For instance, the concentrator casing was identified as its heaviest component. Using finite element analysis, changes in wall thickness and dimensions can be investigated to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. By reducing the weight of the casing, the oxygen concentrator will be easier to transport.


Author(s):  
Geoffrey Garcia ◽  
Kody Wakumoto ◽  
Joseph Brown

Abstract Next–generation interconnects utilizing mechanically interlocking structures enable permanent and reworkable joints between microelectronic devices. Mechanical metamaterials, specifically dry adhesives, are an active area of research which allows for the joining of objects without traditional fasteners or adhesives, and in the case of chip integration, without solder. This paper focuses on reworkable joints that enable chips to be removed from their substrates to support reusable device prototyping and packaging, creating the possibility for eventual pick-and-place mechanical bonding of chips with no additional bonding steps required. Analytical models are presented and are verified through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) assuming pure elastic behavior. Sliding contact conditions in FEA simplify consideration of several design variations but contribute ~10% uncertainty relative to experiment, analysis, and point-loaded FEA. Two designs are presented; arrays of flat cantilevers have a bond strength of 6.3 kPa, and non-flat cantilevers have a strength of 29 kPa. Interlocking designs present self-aligning in-plane forces that emerge from translational perturbation from perfect alignment. Stresses exceeding the material yield stress during adhesion operations present a greater concern for repeatable operation of compliant interlocking joints and will require further study quantifying and accommodating plastic deformation. Designs joining a rigid array with a complementary compliant cantilever array preserve the condition of reworkability for the surface presenting the rigid array. Eventual realization of interconnect technology based on this study will provide a great improvement of functionality and adaptability in heterogeneous integration and microdevice packaging.


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