Numerical simulation and optimal design for composite high-pressure hydrogen storage vessel: A review

Composite high-pressure hydrogen storage vessel has been increasingly applied to the hydrogen fuel cell car. The design of a composite vessel involves various integrated parameters such as the progressive failure properties, the burst pressure and fatigue lifetime. The favorable combination of high reliability and practicability of the composite vessel is a challenging task from the beginning of design. This paper gives a comprehensive review on recent development of numerical simulation and optimization for the designed composite vessel. First, methods on damage modeling for predicting the failure properties and degradation mechanisms of the composite vessel are reviewed. Second, research on predicting the burst pressure and lifetime of the composite vessel is reviewed. The academic work on the damage modeling, progressive failure analysis and finite element implementation which explains the failure properties and stiffness degradation mechanisms of the composite vessel is summarized. Computational methods on the burst pressure, the strength reliability and lifetime of the composite vessel are also evaluated. Finally, ideal design which aims to lessen the weight of a composite vessel to the maximum extent under strength and stiffness constraints is commented. The optimization efficiency using different algorithms is also comparatively studied. The numerical simulation and optimization as important fundamental research constitute a design platform for the composite vessel. It deserves pointing out the lightweight design conception as a remarkable tendency that combines advanced numerical methods and manufacturing technique develops rapidly, commits to improving the reliability and practicability of the composite vessel. It is expected the lightweight design technique plays an increasingly important role in developing the composite vessel as their value is further highlighted.