Finite Element Analysis of Composite Reactor Pressure Vessel

Abstract

Reactor Pressure Vessel is the container designed to hold gases or liquids above atmospheric pressure. The focus of this study is to develop Finite Element Model to predict the performance of composite reactor pressure vessel subjected to extreme pressure and temperature and compare with pressure vessel manufactured using conventional materials. In the first part of the study, a pressure vessel system with Carbon steel material under design pressure and temperature have been analyzed for stresses, deformation and Safety Factor. Various loading cases have been discussed during the analysis of pressure vessel. Composite materials have been a suitable replacement to the conventional material due to high strength to weight ratio, Better chemical resistance, and Good Insulating properties. In the Second part of this study, finite element analysis of internally pressurized cylindrical vessel with closed ends metallic liner overwrapped with composite has been presented. The structure was examined using various composite materials like E-glass, S-glass and Carbon Fibre or combination of these materials placed with different ply angles under same boundary conditions. It was observed that pressure vessel with metallic liner and composite wrapping is safer and lighter than carbon steel under applied loading conditions.