Determination of Fiber Orientation Along the Length of Complex Composite Structures Subjected to Internal Pressure and Axial Loading

Axially symmetric fiber-reinforced polymer composite structures such as pressure vessels and piping are being widely used in different industrial applications where combined loading conditions may be applied. It is imperative to determine a suitable fiber angle, or a distribution of fiber angles, along the longitudinal direction of the structure in order to achieve best performance in terms of mechanical behavior and strength for structures subjected to combined loadings. To this end, a theoretical study was conducted providing the relationship between the fiber orientation and the loading conditions applied to a composite structure. The aim of this study is to determine the fiber angle variation along the length of an axially symmetric composite structure with variable cross-section considering different ratios of axial loading and internal pressure. As an initial step, netting analysis design theory was implemented in the present study.