Machine Learning-Based Analytical Approach for Mechanical Analysis of Composite Hydrogen Storage Tanks under Internal Pressure

This study is a practical exploration of the application of machine learning for the mechanical analysis of filament-wound thin-composite hydrogen storage tanks under internal pressure. Our innovative approach seamlessly integrates classical laminate theory, comprehensive parametric analysis, and machine learning to advance the state-of-the-art in composite tank design. This versatile framework holds promise for addressing challenges in other structurally complex systems. A comprehensive parametric study was then conducted to explore the influence of key design parameters, such as internal pressure, tank radius, order of layer, and layer orientation. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the parameters that had the most significant impact on the mechanical behavior of the tank. In addition, five machine learning models, namely, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Adaptive Boosting, Artificial Neural Network, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest, were examined to determine their predictive capability for the mechanical performance of these composite tanks. Key findings demonstrate XGBoost's superior predictive capabilities, achieving a remarkable 99% accuracy in predicting stress in the x-direction compared to Random Forest's 96%. XGBoost also outperformed Random Forest in terms of Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) with values of 26 and 0.02, respectively, versus 207 and 0.16. These results underscore XGBoost's potential to revolutionize hydrogen storage tank design. The development of a user-friendly GUI application further enhances the practicality of this research, allowing engineers and composite designers to efficiently simulate the mechanical behavior of these tanks in real time by adjusting the cursors for variables such as the pressure, radius, layer order, and layer orientation. This tool, with its intuitive interface and elimination of manual calculations, promises significant enhancements in the design process, providing a platform for the rapid assessment and optimization of tank architectures, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the design process.