Acoustic Emission Testing of High-Pressure Composite Cylinders

Abstract

AE studies were performed considering pressure cylinders of design1 Type II – metallic liner with hoop composite wrapping, Type III – metallic load sharing liner with full composite wrapping and Type IV – all-composite cylinder. The AE technique has to be improved so far that for different design types of cylinders standard AE equipment can be used in an easy and practicable way under normal conditions of production and service. The paper presents our 8 years of experience in this application area using conventional AE measuring technique. Potentials, requirements and limits for detection of manufacturing faults and in-service damages of highpressure composite cylinders are discussed. 1Cylinder types classification in accordance with ECE R 110 / ISO 11439