The Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation Institute (IACMI) announced a project to develop a Smart Composite Pressure Vessel (SCPV) with integrated health monitoring capabilities. The project is led by Steelhead Composites, whose team includes Teijin Carbon, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UT).
The goal of this technical collaboration is to develop a predictable, low-cost Smart Composite Pressure Vessel (SCPV) with integrated, reliable health monitoring without compromising safety. The project utilizes intelligent fiber optic sensor technology, developed and developed by Professor Dayakar Penumadu at the University of Knoxville, Tennessee, to optimize carbon fiber translation and then integrate the technology to achieve on-demand feedback on fatigue-related performance. Steelhead Composites will leverage ORNL's combined machining experience to optimize monitoring procedures in container assemblies. This proven technology can be used to reduce the cost of using composite pressure vessels in other applications in the fuel cell automotive and transportation markets.
Throughout the project, the integrated system will allow continuous monitoring of the health of the vessel, maintain a continuous record of cycle life characteristics, and provide immediate feedback on the vessel's structure to cope with any accidental damage caused by low energy or high energy shocks.
“CPV safety is currently measured using aerospace capabilities as a benchmark. The continuous and predictable health monitoring developed through the project is designed to improve operational safety and reduce the cost of these vessels in the automotive sector.” Steelhead Composites, Dr. Kaushik Mallick, LLC Engineering Director, said.
The ultimate goal of the project is to make the ship's safety design factors more credible, thereby reducing the costs associated with these critical pressure-bearing composite structures.
John Hopkins, CEO of the Composites Research Institute, said: “The widespread adoption of CPV in the transportation market requires a thorough verification of the safety standards for specific applications.” “The IACMI members who are partners in this project have extensive experience and technical research capabilities. Can help drive this application," Hopkins detailed said.
The process development approach will open up new opportunities for the integration of structural health monitoring systems with the carbon fiber compressed gas composites industry. The results of the project enable the private sector to innovate the manufacturing process by effectively testing the materials and processes used to develop composite pressure vessels in high volume applications.
Steelhead's leading projects are supported by IACMI's national partners, including the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (COEDIT) and the Tennessee Department of Economics and Community Development. These national partners promote innovation by supporting IACMI and its members.
