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Standard Guide for Nondestructive Examination of Thin-Walled Metallic Liners in Filament-Wound Pressure Vessels Used in Aerospace Applications
1.1Â This guide discusses current and potential nondestructive testing (NDT) procedures for finding indications of discontinuities in thin-walled metallic liners in filament-wound pressure vessels, also known as composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). In general, these vessels have metallic liner thicknesses less than 2.3 mm (0.090 in.), and fiber loadings in the composite overwrap greater than 60 percent by weight. In COPVs, the composite overwrap thickness will be of the order of 2.0 mm (0.080 in.) for smaller vessels, and up to 20 mm (0.80 in.) for larger ones.
1.2Â This guide focuses on COPVs with nonload sharing metallic liners used at ambient temperature, which most closely represents a Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Type III metal-lined COPV. However, it also has relevance to (1) monolithic metallic pressure vessels (PVs) (CGA Type I), and (2) metal-lined hoop-wrapped COPVs (CGA Type II).
1.3Â The vessels covered by this guide are used in aerospace applications; therefore, examination requirements for discontinuities and inspection points will in general be different and more stringent than for vessels used in non-aerospace applications.
1.4 This guide applies to (1) low pressure COPVs and PVs used for storing aerospace media at maximum allowable working pressures (MAWPs) up to 3.5 MPa (500 psia) and volumes up to 2000 L (70 ft3), and (2) high pressure COPVs used for storing compressed gases at MAWPs up to 70 MPa (10  000 psia) and volumes down to 8 L (500 in.3). Internal vacuum storage or exposure is not considered appropriate for any vessel size.
Note 1:Â Some vessels are evacuated during filling operations, requiring the tank to withstand external (atmospheric) pressure.
1.5Â The metallic liners under consideration include, but are not limited to, ones made from aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, and stainless steels. In the case of COPVs, the composites through which the NDT interrogation should be made after overwrapping include, but are not limited to, various polymer matrix resins (for example, epoxies, cyanate esters, polyurethanes, phenolic resins, polyimides (including bismaleimides), polyamides) with continuous fiber reinforcement (for example, carbon, aramid, glass, or poly-(phenylenebenzobisoxazole) (PBO)).
1.6Â This guide describes the application of established NDT procedures; namely, Acoustic Emission (AE, Section 7), Eddy Current Testing (ET, Section 8), Laser Profilometry (LP, Section 9), Leak Testing (LT, Section 10), Penetrant Testing (PT, Section 11), and Radiographic Testing (RT, Section 12). These procedures can be used by cognizant engineering organizations for detecting and evaluating flaws, defects, and accumulated damage in metallic PVs, the bare metallic liner of COPVs before overwrapping, and the metallic liner of new and in-service COPVs.
1.7Â All methods discussed in this guide (AE, ET, LP, LT, PT, and RT) are performed on the metallic liner of COPVs before or after overwrapping and structural cure. The same methods may also be performed on metal PVs. For NDT procedures for detecting discontinuities in the composite overwrap in filament wound pressure vessels; namely, AE, ET, Shearography Testing (ST), RT, Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Visual Testing (VT); consult Guide E2981.
1.8Â Due to difficulties associated with inspecting thin-walled metallic COPV liners through composite overwraps, and the availability of the NDE methods listed in 1.6 to inspect COPV liners before overwrapping and metal PVs, ultrasonic testing (UT) is not addressed in this standard. UT may still be performed as agreed upon between the supplier and customer. Ultrasonic requirements may utilize Practice E2375 as applicable based upon the specific liner application and metal thickness. Alternate ultrasonic inspection methods such as Lamb wave, surface wave, shear wave, reflector plate, etc. may be established and documented per agreed upon contractual requirements. The test requirements should be developed in conjunction with the specific criteria defined by engineering analysis.
1.9Â In general, AE and PT are performed on the PV or the bare metallic liner of a COPV before overwrapping (in the case of COPVs, AE is done before overwrapping to minimize interference from the composite overwrap). ET, LT, and RT are performed on the PV, bare metallic liner of a COPV before overwrapping, or on the as-manufactured COPV. LP is performed on the inner and outer surfaces of the PV, or on the inner surface of the COPV liner both before and after overwrapping. Furthermore, AE and RT are well suited for evaluating the weld integrity of welded PVs and COPV liners.
1.10Â Wherever possible, the NDT procedures described should be sensitive enough to detect critical flaw sizes of the order of 1.3 mm (0.050 in.) length with a 2:1 aspect ratio.
Note 2:Â Liners often fail due to improper welding resulting in initiation and growth of multiple small discontinuities of the order of 0.050 mm (0.002 in.) length. These will form a macro-flaw of 1-mm (0.040-in.) length only at higher stress levels.
1.11Â For NDT procedures that detect discontinuities in the composite overwrap of filament-wound pressure vessels (namely, AE, ET, shearography, thermography, UT and visual examination), consult Guide E2981.
1.12Â In the case of COPVs which are impact damage sensitive and require implementation of a damage control plan, emphasis is placed on NDT procedures that are sensitive to detecting damage in the metallic liner caused by impacts at energy levels which may or may not leave any visible indication on the COPV composite surface.
1.13Â This guide does not specify accept/reject criteria (4.10) used in procurement or used as a means for approving PVs or COPVs for service. Any acceptance criteria provided herein are given mainly for purposes of refinement and further elaboration of the procedures described in the guide. Project or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specific accept/reject criteria should be used when available and take precedence over any acceptance criteria contained in this document.
1.14Â This guide references established ASTM test methods that have a foundation of experience and that yield a numerical result, and newer procedures that have yet to be validated which are better categorized as qualitative guidelines and practices. The latter are included to promote research and later elaboration in this guide as methods of the former type.
1.15Â To ensure proper use of the referenced standard documents, there are recognized NDT specialists that are certified according to industry and company NDT specifications. It is recommended that an NDT specialist be a part of any thin-walled metallic component design, quality assurance, in-service maintenance, or damage examination.
1.16 Units—The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as the standard. The English units given in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.17Â This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1Â This guide discusses current and potential nondestructive testing (NDT) procedures for finding indications of discontinuities in thin-walled metallic liners in filament-wound pressure vessels, also known as composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). In general, these vessels have metallic liner thicknesses less than 2.3 mm (0.090 in.), and fiber loadings in the composite overwrap greater than 60 percent by weight. In COPVs, the composite overwrap thickness will be of the order of 2.0 mm (0.080 in.) for smaller vessels, and up to 20 mm (0.80 in.) for larger ones.
1.2Â This guide focuses on COPVs with nonload sharing metallic liners used at ambient temperature, which most closely represents a Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Type III metal-lined COPV. However, it also has relevance to (1) monolithic metallic pressure vessels (PVs) (CGA Type I), and (2) metal-lined hoop-wrapped COPVs (CGA Type II).
1.3Â The vessels covered by this guide are used in aerospace applications; therefore, examination requirements for discontinuities and inspection points will in general be different and more stringent than for vessels used in non-aerospace applications.
1.4 This guide applies to (1) low pressure COPVs and PVs used for storing aerospace media at maximum allowable working pressures (MAWPs) up to 3.5 MPa (500 psia) and volumes up to 2000 L (70 ft3), and (2) high pressure COPVs used for storing compressed gases at MAWPs up to 70 MPa (10  000 psia) and volumes down to 8 L (500 in.3). Internal vacuum storage or exposure is not considered appropriate for any vessel size.
Note 1:Â Some vessels are evacuated during filling operations, requiring the tank to withstand external (atmospheric) pressure.
1.5Â The metallic liners under consideration include, but are not limited to, ones made from aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, nickel-based alloys, and stainless steels. In the case of COPVs, the composites through which the NDT interrogation should be made after overwrapping include, but are not limited to, various polymer matrix resins (for example, epoxies, cyanate esters, polyurethanes, phenolic resins, polyimides (including bismaleimides), polyamides) with continuous fiber reinforcement (for example, carbon, aramid, glass, or poly-(phenylenebenzobisoxazole) (PBO)).
1.6Â This guide describes the application of established NDT procedures; namely, Acoustic Emission (AE, Section 7), Eddy Current Testing (ET, Section 8), Laser Profilometry (LP, Section 9), Leak Testing (LT, Section 10), Penetrant Testing (PT, Section 11), and Radiographic Testing (RT, Section 12). These procedures can be used by cognizant engineering organizations for detecting and evaluating flaws, defects, and accumulated damage in metallic PVs, the bare metallic liner of COPVs before overwrapping, and the metallic liner of new and in-service COPVs.
1.7Â All methods discussed in this guide (AE, ET, LP, LT, PT, and RT) are performed on the metallic liner of COPVs before or after overwrapping and structural cure. The same methods may also be performed on metal PVs. For NDT procedures for detecting discontinuities in the composite overwrap in filament wound pressure vessels; namely, AE, ET, Shearography Testing (ST), RT, Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Visual Testing (VT); consult Guide E2981.
1.8Â Due to difficulties associated with inspecting thin-walled metallic COPV liners through composite overwraps, and the availability of the NDE methods listed in 1.6 to inspect COPV liners before overwrapping and metal PVs, ultrasonic testing (UT) is not addressed in this standard. UT may still be performed as agreed upon between the supplier and customer. Ultrasonic requirements may utilize Practice E2375 as applicable based upon the specific liner application and metal thickness. Alternate ultrasonic inspection methods such as Lamb wave, surface wave, shear wave, reflector plate, etc. may be established and documented per agreed upon contractual requirements. The test requirements should be developed in conjunction with the specific criteria defined by engineering analysis.
1.9Â In general, AE and PT are performed on the PV or the bare metallic liner of a COPV before overwrapping (in the case of COPVs, AE is done before overwrapping to minimize interference from the composite overwrap). ET, LT, and RT are performed on the PV, bare metallic liner of a COPV before overwrapping, or on the as-manufactured COPV. LP is performed on the inner and outer surfaces of the PV, or on the inner surface of the COPV liner both before and after overwrapping. Furthermore, AE and RT are well suited for evaluating the weld integrity of welded PVs and COPV liners.
1.10Â Wherever possible, the NDT procedures described should be sensitive enough to detect critical flaw sizes of the order of 1.3 mm (0.050 in.) length with a 2:1 aspect ratio.
Note 2:Â Liners often fail due to improper welding resulting in initiation and growth of multiple small discontinuities of the order of 0.050 mm (0.002 in.) length. These will form a macro-flaw of 1-mm (0.040-in.) length only at higher stress levels.
1.11Â For NDT procedures that detect discontinuities in the composite overwrap of filament-wound pressure vessels (namely, AE, ET, shearography, thermography, UT and visual examination), consult Guide E2981.
1.12Â In the case of COPVs which are impact damage sensitive and require implementation of a damage control plan, emphasis is placed on NDT procedures that are sensitive to detecting damage in the metallic liner caused by impacts at energy levels which may or may not leave any visible indication on the COPV composite surface.
1.13Â This guide does not specify accept/reject criteria (4.10) used in procurement or used as a means for approving PVs or COPVs for service. Any acceptance criteria provided herein are given mainly for purposes of refinement and further elaboration of the procedures described in the guide. Project or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specific accept/reject criteria should be used when available and take precedence over any acceptance criteria contained in this document.
1.14Â This guide references established ASTM test methods that have a foundation of experience and that yield a numerical result, and newer procedures that have yet to be validated which are better categorized as qualitative guidelines and practices. The latter are included to promote research and later elaboration in this guide as methods of the former type.
1.15Â To ensure proper use of the referenced standard documents, there are recognized NDT specialists that are certified according to industry and company NDT specifications. It is recommended that an NDT specialist be a part of any thin-walled metallic component design, quality assurance, in-service maintenance, or damage examination.
1.16 Units—The values stated in metric units are to be regarded as the standard. The English units given in parentheses are provided for information only.
4.1 The goal of the NDT is to detect defects that have been implicated in the failure of the COPV metal liner, or have led to leakage, loss of contents, injury, death, or mission, or a combination thereof. Liner defects detected by NDT that require special attention by the cognizant engineering organization include through cracks, part-through cracks, liner buckling, pitting, thinning, and corrosion under the influence of cyclic loading, sustained loading, temperature cycling, mechanical impact and other intended or unintended service conditions.
Note 3: Liners made from stainless steel and nickel-based alloys exhibit a higher damage resistance to impact than those made from aluminum.
Note 4: Safe life is the goal for any COPV so that a through crack in the liner will not develop during the service life.
Note 5: The use a material with good fatigue and slow crack growth characteristics is important. For example, nickel-based alloys are better than precipitation-hardened stainless steel. Aluminum also has good ductility and crack resistance.
4.2 The COPVs covered in this guide consist of a metallic liner overwrapped with high-strength fibers embedded in polymeric matrix resin (typically a thermoset). Metallic liners may be spun formed from a deep drawn/extruded monolithic blank or may be fabricated by welding formed components. Designers often seek to minimize the liner thickness in the interest of weight reduction. COPV liner materials used can be aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, and stainless steels, impermeable polymer liner such as high density polyethylene, or integrated composite materials. Fiber materials can be carbon, aramid, glass, PBO, metals, or hybrids (two or more types of fiber). Matrix resins include epoxies, cyanate esters, polyurethanes, phenolic resins, polyimides (including bismaleimides), polyamides and other high performance polymers. Common bond line adhesives are generally epoxies (FM-73, West 105, and Epon 862) or urethanes with thicknesses ranging from 0.13 mm (0.005 in.) to 0.38 mm (0.015 in.). Metal liner and composite overwrap materials requirements are found in ANSI/AIAA S-080 and ANSI/AIAA S-081, respectively. Pictures of representative COPVs are shown in Guide E2981.
4.3 The operative failure modes COPV metal liners and metal PVs, in approximate order of likelihood, are:
Note 6: For launch vehicles and satellites, the strong drive to reduce weight has pushed designers to adopt COPVs with thinner metal liners. Unfortunately, this configuration is more susceptible to liner buckling. Therefore, as a precursor to liner fatigue, attention should be paid to liner buckling.
4.4 Per MIL-HDBK-340, the primary intended function of COPVs as discussed in this guide will be to store pressurized gases and fluids where one or more of the following apply:
4.5 Per NASA-STD-(I)-5019, COPVs should comply with the latest revision of ANSI/AIAA S-081. The following requirements also apply when implementing S-081:
Note 7: For other aerospace applications, the cognizant engineering organization should select the appropriate probability of survival, for example, 0.99, 0.999, 0.9999, etc., depending on the anticipated failure mode, damage tolerance, safety factor, or consequence of failure, or a combination thereof. For example, a probability of survival of 0.99 means that on average, 1 in 100 COPVs will fail. COPVs exhibiting catastrophic failure modes (BBL composite shell stress rupture versus LBB liner leak), lower damage tolerance (cylindrical versus spherical vessels), lower safety factor, and high consequence of failure will be subject to more rigorous NDT.
4.6 Application of the NDT procedures discussed in this standard is intended to reduce the likelihood of liner failure, commonly denoted leak before burst (LBB), characterized by leakage and loss of the pressurized commodity, thus mitigating or eliminating the attendant risks associated with loss of the pressurized commodity, and possibly mission.
4.7 Discontinuity Types— Specific discontinuity types are associated with the particular processing, fabrication and service history of the COPV. COPV composite overwraps can have a myriad of possible discontinuity types, with varying degrees of importance in terms of effect on performance (see 4.7 in Guide E2981). As for discontinuities in the metallic liner, the primary concern from an NDT perspective is to detect discontinuities that can develop cracks or reduce residual strength of the liner below the levels required, within the context of the life cycle. Therefore, discontinuities should be categorized as follows:
Note 8: Inherent material discontinuities are generally much smaller than the damage-tolerance limit size. Any design that does not satisfy this statement should be revised. Quality control procedures in place in the manufacturing process should eliminate any source materials that do not satisfy specifications.
Note 9: Manufacturing-induced discontinuities depend on the manufacturing process, and can include machining marks, improper heat treatment, and weld-related discontinuities such as lack of fusion, porosity, inclusions, zones of local material embrittlement, shrinkage, and cracking.
| SDO | ASTM: ASTM International |
| Document Number | E2982 |
| Publication Date | March 15, 2021 |
| Language | en - English |
| Page Count | 29 |
| Revision Level | 21 |
| Supercedes | |
| Committee | E07.10 |
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