An experimental investigation on the effect of multi-angle filament winding on the strength of tubular composite structures

Computer-controlled winding procedures are a state-of-the-art production method for tubular structures with filament reinforced polymer composites. Such structures are often subjected to complex states of stress during installation and/or operation. Modern computerised equipment allows for the design and production of multi-angle lay-up configurations. Using internal pressure and axial force, experiments under biaxial tensile stress ratios were carried out to investigate the performance of multi-angle filament wound structures. Results in terms of stresses at failure, observable modes of failure and stress-strain curves were compared to those of a baseline configuration made from a ±α angle-ply lay-up. Multi-angle wound structures exhibited an overall better performance in resisting damage when subjected to a variety of loading conditions. Thus, the present investigation concludes that multi-angle winding technology may provide considerable advantages over pure angle-ply lay-ups.