Designing high-pressure gas cylinders using composites is a relatively new and rapidly developing technology, exploiting recent advances in high-strength lightweight synthetic fibres. Traditionally, only metals have been used, but clearly weight is a major consideration in the efficiency of gas cylinders. Lightweight composite cylinders offer considerable advantages over heavier all-metal alternatives, provided concerns over safety can be allayed.

Manufacture of composite gas cylinders has relied primarily on costly ‘design by testing’ to ensure that stringent safety standards are met. With new European and International Standards backed by recently introduced legislation Hoop-wrapped Composite Internally Pressurized Cylinders – Development and Application of a Design Theory provides the industry with a much-needed, reliable, and transparent methodology for the design of hoop-wrapped, composite gas cylinders.