Meso-scale Fracture Analysis of Helical Layer in CFRP Tank

Abstract

For low cost design of high pressure hydrogen tank with reliability, an accurate fracture model of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is indispensable. The accuracy is to be ensured by taking account of meso-scopic structure of fiber bundle and matrix resin, which causes local strain enhancement. Authors have approached to the fracture model of helical layer in CFRP tank by means of the meso-scale finite element model. Quasi-biaxial tensile tests are performed by employing cruciform specimen, and the breakage strength is predicted by the finite element method with different material model. The consideration of orthotropy in the bundle results in adequate feature mode prediction of the specimen.