Modern approach to overwound structures

The use of metallic wires or hoops for overwrapping pressure vessels has a history going back at least as far as the thirteenth century. In recent years, the availability of reinforcing fibres with very high slrength/weight ratios has given this ancient concept a new lease of life. This paper describes the early history of the subject and details the properties of the high performance fibres now available. The theory of tensioned overwinding as applied to both thick and thin walled vessels is developed and lhe use of tensioned overwinding of strong, light fibres in the construction of lightweight structures having a wide range of applications is described.