Step 1: Understanding Filament Winding
Filament winding is a fabrication technique used to manufacture high-strength, hollow composite structures. In this process:
- Continuous fiber filaments (like glass, carbon, or aramid) are soaked in resin and wound under tension over a rotating mandrel.
- The resin is then cured (hardened), and the mandrel is removed.
Step 2: Applications of Filament Winding
This method is ideal for producing:
- Pressure vessels,
- Storage tanks,
- Rocket motor casings,
- Pipes and gas cylinders.
Step 3: Why Other Methods are Incorrect
- Pultrusion: Used for constant cross-section profiles (like rods, beams), not tanks.
- Resin transfer molding (RTM): Suitable for complex closed-mold shapes, not large cylindrical vessels.
- Vacuum bagging: A curing technique used in laminates, not for hollow cylindrical casting.
Conclusion: The most suitable and widely used method for manufacturing pressure vessels and similar components is filament winding.