Modeling the effects of loading scenario and thermal expansion coefficient on potential failure of cryo-compressed hydrogen vessels

Abstract A multiscale thermomechanical model for a simplified Type-3 cryogenic, compressed-hydrogen (H2) storage vessel is described in this paper. The model accounts for the temperature-dependent elastic-plastic behavior of the vessel's carbon/epoxy composite overwrap and aluminum alloy liner. The homogenized thermo-elastic-plastic behavior for the individual laminae of the vessel layup is obtained using an incremental Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach associated with a micromechanical failure criterion to predict laminar failure while a standard elastic-plastic constitutive model is used to describe the behavior of the typical aluminum alloy assumed for the liner. The vessel's response to external loadings is modeled using a finite element method. Four loading scenarios, representing four thermomechanical cycles applied to the vessel, are analyzed to evaluate constituent and laminar stresses as well as the associated failure criterion during the cycle according to these scenarios. The model can provide helpful guidance to mitigate thermal stresses by selecting a suitable loading scenario, optimizing the layup, and tailoring the thermomechanical properties of the resin matrix.