The performance of a COPV (composite over-wrapped pressure vessel) is highly dependent on the utilized fiber/resin system. In turn the performance of the fiber/resin. system is highly dependent on the various process parameters used. Because of this basic material performance data generated by standard ASTM bottles may not be ideally suited to represent the majority of pressure vessels currently fabricated. Most commercial filament wound pressure vessels are overwrapped aluminum liners, not sand mandrels as are used in the ASTM bottles. Pressure vessel configurations for upper stage launch vehicles and satellites are highly performance driven and are produced at low production numbers for unique applications. On the other hand commercial pressure vessels are produced in larger quantities and are quite cost sensitive. The selection of a material system for either application can benefit from an understanding of the potential performance levels of candidate composite materials, data that is often proprietary and not readily available. Several high performance pre-impregnated fibers were studied; the materials were wound, cured, and burst on aluminum liners/mandrels in an effort to develop a 'foundation' of data to aid in the selection of materials for various applications.
