Approximate mechanical behavior analysis of a thick-wall metallic liner reinforced with composites, submitted to internal pressure

This study aims to simulate and to analyze the elastic and the damage behavior of a reinforced metallic liner (RML) by means of a computational tool, in order to aid in the design of high specific-stiffness and -strength barrels for heavy-duty hydraulic applications. Case studies for the program validation are undertaken using an AISI 1026 or St52.3 steel tubing reinforced with a polymeric composite of glass fiber and epoxy resin, wound in a hoop pattern. The mechanical behavior of the RML under internal pressure with no-end effects is predicted by means of strain measurements at the outermost layer. The mathematical model is based on the Classical Lamination Theory (CLT) improved with kinematic relationships that allow to introduce curvature effects. Numerical results based on experimental measurements show that the reinforcement is effective, allowing to considerably augment the maximum bearable pressure with respect to a non-reinforced metallic liner (nRML), without important weight or cost increase.