Stress analysis in specimens made of multi-layer polymer/composite used for hydrogen storage application: Comparison with experimental results

In this study, a technological specimen representative of hydrogen type IV high-pressure storage vessel is studied. A three-dimensional finite element model is used to compute stress fields. Because of orthotropic behaviour, post-processing script is developed to compute three-dimensional Tsai-Wu criterion and is entered in the model to determine failure of specimens. Spatial distribution of stress and Tsai-Wu criterion fields are compared with experimental observations of damage in three specimens with different stacking sequences of composite part. A model to predict the different ultimate tensile stresses is proposed.