Finite element investigation of joint behavior and composite pressure vessel performance for pyramid and inverted pyramid joints

The objective of this investigation is to analyze the performance of filament wound pressure vessels joined by double strap butt joints. The primary areas of interest in the vessels were the tank wall acreage the joint regions. The specific types of butt joints considered in the analysis were the pyramid and inverted pyramid styles of double strap butt joints. The goals of this investigation were carried out through the use of appropriate finite element models that included two full-scale models of the vessels and two axisymmetric joint models.; The conclusions from the investigation are the tank wall performance was consistent regardless of joint configuration for the two full-scale models and there is consistent performance between both model types with no superiority being shown between the two structural designs.