Validation of Design Optimization Approach for Polymer Composite Piping

Excellent corrosion resistance and high specific properties make fiber-reinforced polymer composite piping an attractive choice for various industries. In previous research an optimization approach was developed in order to provide design guidance with respect to the composite piping fiber architecture and material system. The objective was to meet design specifications while maximizing performance and minimizing material usage. The research described in the present contribution seeks to validate this design optimization approach. Glass-fiber reinforced epoxy pipe samples were filament-wound in a conventional single-angle and an optimized multi-angle layup and tested applying monotonic internal pressurization. The experimental findings were used to discuss the preceding design optimization approach.