Abstract
The aim of this paper is the investigation of changes in modal parameters of composite pressure vessel structures with different prestress states realized by varying fiber tension. Two series of vessels was manufactured and examined with different wound tensions, the first-3 N and second-80 N, respectively. Other technological factors, such as the type and weight of carbon fiber used, as well as liner type, were kept constant. The vessels were examined with internal pressure equal to atmospheric and without pressure fittings. The modal tests were performed on storage tanks suspended on an elastic cord in the horizontal orientation to prevent the structure from being disturbed by vibrations. The examinations were focused only on the cylindrical part of the vessels. Based on modal analysis, parameters such as natural frequencies, dampings and modal shapes were determined. Research results indicate clear changes in natural frequencies and damping coefficients between the two investigated prestress states. It is interesting that natural frequencies for bending modes are higher in the case of structures with high fiber tension, while in the case of other vibration forms, the natural frequencies have smaller values in comparison with the first series.