Designing pressure vessels that split.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of carbon-fibre pressure vessels, specifically focusing on how to ensure that these vessels split in a controlled manner when ruptured, rather than exploding. The conversation touches on safety features, design considerations, and perceptions related to pressure vessel failures.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the normal approach is to design pressure vessels to avoid both splitting and exploding, referencing applicable codes and standards.
  • Another participant introduces the idea that perceptions of pressure vessel failures can influence design considerations.
  • A participant with experience on an investigation team describes instances where pressure vessels were perceived to have exploded, particularly noting the intensity of pneumatic vessel ruptures.
  • There is a proposal to incorporate safety features such as burst disks or relief valves to protect against overpressure.
  • A suggestion is made to mold a groove into the vessel wall to facilitate a predictable split when the design pressure is exceeded, comparing it to the perforations in toilet paper.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to ensure controlled splitting of pressure vessels. Multiple competing views regarding design considerations and safety features remain evident.

Contextual Notes

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of design standards versus the influence of perceptions. There is also a lack of agreement on the effectiveness of proposed design modifications such as grooves in the vessel wall.

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If designing a carbon-fibre pressure vessel (over a aluminum sleeve), how can ensure your vessel splits if ruptured as opposed to exploding?
 
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The normal approach is to design it so that it does neither. That is what applicable codes and standards are all about.
 
Sometimes though, other factors need also to be considered...Perceptions for one.
 
I don't understand what perceptions you refer to.

I've been on the investigation team after a pressure vessel split. These were cylinders, some with water, some oil, and one pneumatic. In all cases, the witnesses said they exploded. Of course, the pneumatic vessel ruptured with much more intensity.

If your intent is to protect against over pressure, then include a burst disk or a relief valve.
 
If designing a carbon-fibre pressure vessel (over a aluminum sleeve), how can ensure your vessel splits if ruptured as opposed to exploding?

Presumably this is in addition to having other safety featues such as a pressure relief valve or two.

Perhaps you could mould a groove in the wall so that when the design pressure is exceeded it splits in a predictable way. Bit like the perforations in toilet paper are intended to make it tear in the right place.
 
OK, that makes sense. Thank you for both replies, I really appreciate your help.
 

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