Model-Assisted Damage Assessment in Composite Overwrapped Hydrogen Pressure Vessels Using Guided Waves

Abstract

Maintaining the structural integrity of composite overwrapped hydrogen pressure vessels (COPVs) is increasingly critical for safe hydrogen storage and transportation, given the unique challenges posed by composite materials. Accurate structural assessment is vital for effective Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), and guided ultrasonic waves (GUW) show significant potential for this application. This study presents a model-assisted approach to damage assessment using guided wave-based SHM (GWSHM) on COPVs. By combining experimental data, numerical simulations, and machine learning techniques, we aim to enhance the reliability and accuracy of detection capabilities. Experiments were conducted on both intact vessels and those with artificial damage to generate baseline and damage-induced guided wave signals. Two simulation techniques were employed to support these measurements. Another key contribution of this work is the integration of model-based insights with data-driven approaches for damage assessment. The findings contribute to the advancement of GWSHM methodologies and support the safe, efficient deployment of COPVs in hydrogen storage applications.