Dome thcikness of filament wound pressure vessels

In order to predict the dome thickness of filament wound pressure vessels as a rocket motor case, three methods were proposed particularly for the thickness in the regions near dome openings. After the previous general single equation and Knoell equation based on a graphical technique were reviewed, new three methods were presented: (1) the general double equation composed of a set of two analytical equations; one for the region within one band width of the dome opening, and one for the remainder of the dome, (2) the alternate general double equation producing the same results although derived by different methods, and (3) the average equation for approximate calculation. As the predicted thicknesses were compared with the actual measured ones of various filament wound shells, the thickness of shells constructed with wide filament bands could be accurately predicted, however, that of shells made of thin filament bands did not agree with predictions near the dome openings due to fiber slippage, reorientations of fibers and compaction during both production and curing. 3 refs., 10 figs., 1 tab.