Patent ID: 6651307
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: B29C,B29L,F17C,Y10T

Abstract:
A process for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vessel capable of containing a design pressure, the vessel having a ductile metal liner with a composite fiber overwrap, the liner having a bore and forming at least one nozzle structure having a port contiguous with the bore for applying pressure therethrough to the bore, comprising the steps of:wrapping the liner with a first composite layer of the composite fiber overwrap, of predetermined strength; applying a predetermined first pressure to the bore, the first pressure being greater than the design pressure and sufficient to yield the liner within the first composite layer and produce residual compressive stress therein; and wrapping the liner with a second composite layer of the composite fiber overwrap so that when the design pressure is applied, the strain in the liner is constrained so that stress in the liner is below yield stress.