In the quest for cleaner energy solutions, hydrogen has emerged as a promising contender, offering minimal greenhouse gas emissions and high efficiency. However, storing this lightweight element presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring the safety and durability of storage vessels. New research from the Politecnico di Milano sheds light on how the shape and size of impactors influence damage patterns in composite pressure vessels, potentially reshaping the design and application of these critical components in the energy sector.
Dr. Shiva Rezaei Akbarieh, a mechanical engineer at the Politecnico di Milano, led a study published in the journal *Modelling* that investigates the damage mechanisms in filament-wound carbon fiber composite pressure vessels subjected to low-velocity impacts. The research focuses on two types of impactors with different geometries and varying impact energies, aiming to establish a relationship between impactor features and damage patterns.
“Understanding how different impactor geometries affect the damage mechanisms in composite vessels is crucial for improving their design and ensuring their safety in real-world applications,” Akbarieh explained. The study captures various failure modes, including matrix damage, delamination, and fiber breakage, and how these are influenced by the shape and size of the impactors.
The research employed both experimental trials and numerical modeling to validate the findings. The experimental trials provided a comprehensive understanding of the failure modes, while the numerical model supported these findings by accurately simulating the damage mechanisms. This dual approach ensures that the results are both reliable and applicable to real-world scenarios.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector, particularly as hydrogen storage becomes increasingly important in the transition to cleaner energy sources. Composite high-pressure vessels, categorized as type III or IV, are commonly used due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Type III vessels use an aluminum alloy liner, while type IV vessels utilize a polymer liner. The findings from this study could lead to more robust and safer designs for these vessels, enhancing their performance and longevity.
“By understanding the relationship between impactor geometry and damage patterns, we can develop more resilient composite vessels that can withstand a wider range of impact scenarios,” Akbarieh noted. This could ultimately lead to more efficient and safer hydrogen storage solutions, supporting the broader adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
The research not only advances our understanding of the damage mechanisms in composite pressure vessels but also paves the way for future developments in the field. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study will be invaluable in designing and implementing more effective hydrogen storage solutions.
In summary, the study by Dr. Shiva Rezaei Akbarieh and her team at the Politecnico di Milano represents a significant step forward in the quest for safer and more efficient hydrogen storage. By elucidating the impact of impactor geometry on damage patterns in composite pressure vessels, this research provides a foundation for future innovations in the energy sector.