Finite Element Modeling of a Lightweight Composite Blast Containment Vessel

Abstract

This paper presents various approaches for finite element modeling of a cylindrical lightweight composite vessel for blast containment purposes. The vessel has a steel liner that is internally reinforced with throttle and gusset steel plates and wrapped with a basalt fiber∕epoxy composite. The vessel design is fairly complex, including many geometric details and several components with different material models. The objective of this work is to determine an accurate and efficient procedure for modeling this type of vessels. This model can be used within an iterative optimization process. Different modeling approaches using various combinations of element types, material models, and geometric details are explored. Results of these models are compared to available experimental data. Accuracy and computational time between all these models are also compared. A suitable modeling method is recommended based on these findings.