Modern approach to overwound structures

The use of metallic wires or hoops for overwrapping pressure vessels has a history going back at least as far as the thirteenth century. In recent yea rs, the availability of reinforcing fibres with very high strength/weight r atios has given this ancient concept a new lease of life. This paper descri bes the early history of the subject and details the properties of the high performance fibres now available. The theory of tensioned overwinding as a pplied to both thick and thin walled vessels is developed and the use of te nsioned overwinding of strong, light fibres in the construction of lightwei ght structures having a wide range of applications is described. PRC/1584. (C) 1999 British Crown Copyright.