Studies on glass/epoxy and basalt/epoxy thin-walled pressure vessels subjected to internal pressure using ultrasonic ‘C’ scan technique: Fid-Bau Portal

Studies on glass/epoxy and basalt/epoxy thin-walled pressure vessels subjected to internal pressure using ultrasonic ‘C’ scan technique

Ilangovan, S. / Senthil Kumaran, S. / Naresh, K. / Shankar, K. / Velmurugan, R.

Abstract

Abstract Fiber reinforced nanocomposite tubes are playing a vital role in the transportation of fluids in petrochemical industries, where these composite tubes store fluid under pressure. Therefore, it is important to estimate the amount of pressure that can be handled by the tubes and investigate the damage mechanisms of composite tubes using non-destructive testing techniques. In this work, mechanical properties and the pressure withstanding capability of different weight percentages (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt%) of silica nanoparticles added in glass/epoxy and basalt/epoxy composite tubes are investigated. Before performing these tests, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was performed to ensure the uniform distribution of silica nanoparticles in the epoxy. Further, mechanical tests were carried out. The fractured surface of composites was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Weibull modeling was used to predict the theoretical tensile, flexural and impact strength values. Further, hydrostatic pressure tests were performed, and then full-field damage assessments were performed using the ultrasonic ‘C’ scan. It was found that basalt/epoxy/silica nanocomposite tubes exhibited better mechanical and pressure withstanding capability, owing to the presence of higher amounts of iron and aluminum oxides, than their counterparts of glass/epoxy/silica nanocomposite tubes. Numerical analysis was also performed to confirm the allowable pressure limits of the composites under hydrostatic load. The failure of tubes has not occurred below allowable pressure values, which indicate good correlations with experimental results. The results of the study will help to design and manufacture composite tubes with better pressure withstanding capability at a reasonable cost.

Highlights • Mechanical and pressure withstanding capability of glass/epoxy and basalt/epoxy nanocomposite tubes were investigated. • The fractured surface of mechanical tested specimens was investigated using SEM. • TEM analysis was carried out to investigate the distribution of nanoparticles in the epoxy. • The damage mechanisms of pressure-tested specimens were investigated using the ultrasonic ‘C’ scan.