A numerical perspective for CFRP-wrapped thin-walled steel cylinders

The failure of steel cylindrical shells with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) under hydrostatic pressure is studied in this article by experimental tests and the finite element method. Simulations were performed for 12 cylindrical shells with different dent numbers, dent depths, and two perfect models with and without CFRP. The finite element models are built to simulate the buckling behavior. The nonlinear stabilization method is preferred to simulate the buckling behavior. The finite element results agree well with the corresponding experimental tests and theories. A parametric study is conducted, and the number, depth, width of dents, and the effects of CFRPs on the critical buckling pressure are discussed. The dents are placed symmetrically around the cylinder with a thickness of t(c) (thickness of cylinder) and 2t(c) mm. The initial and overall buckling load decreased with increasing amplitude for dent numbers with different dent depths on all models. The results show that the number and depth of dents generally have a negative effect on the buckling strength, while CFRPs increase the critical buckling strength and are effective in repair as a retrofitting concept.