Analysis of intermetallic swelling on the behavior of a hybrid solution for compressed hydrogen storage – Part I: Analytical modeling

This study focuses on the mechanical response of a hybrid solution dedicated to gaseous hydrogen storage. This solution is made of a carbon/epoxy composite overwrapped on a metal liner first coated with intermetallic material. The composite helps to reinforce the structure, while the liner prevents it from any leakage. In case of deficiency, the intermetallic material behaves as a sponge and interrupts the leakage by absorption and micro-cracks reduction. This hybrid solution or this specific use of intermetallic material has never been presented before. The laminate composite is anisotropic, whereas the liner is an elastic–plastic material. The intermetallic is purely thermo elastic and its study is limited to its mechanical contribution. Using these hypotheses, the suggested analytical model provides an exact solution for stresses and strains on the cylindrical section of the hybrid solution submitted to thermomechanical static loading and hydrogen leakage. The swelling effect of the intermetallic on the behavior of the structure is then investigated.