Analytical and Numerical Investigation of FGM Pressure Vessel Reinforced by Laminated Composite Materials

In this research, the analytical and numerical investigation of a cylindrical shell made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) reinforced by laminated composite subjected to internal pressure is presented. Using the infinitesimal theory of elasticity, the analytical solution of stress and strain in vessels made of FGMs is studied first. It is assumed that the elasticity modulus follows a power law distribution in the thickness direction and Poissonʹs ratio considered to be constant for simplicity. The results of the finite element method using ABAQUS software for in-homogeneity constant in the range of -2 to 2 have been compared with the analytical results. The comparison represents good coincidence between analytical and numerical results and confirms the accuracy of stress and strain solutions presented for vessel made of FGMs. The stress and strain solutions in laminated composite vessels are then investigated. Finally, modeling of FGM vessel reinforced by composite laminates with different lay-up is taken into consideration. The obtained results demonstrate that in the cylindrical shell reinforced by laminated composites, the maximum stress is considerably less than the maximum stress in the pressure vessels made of just composites or FGMs.