Überprüfung und Zulassung eines GFK-Tanks unter Nutzung der Methode der Finiten Elemente

Glass fibre reinforced (GRP) storage tanks for liquids have been successfully used in the storage and transport of chemicals for many decades. The fibre composite technology transfer project entitled "Testing and licensing a GRP tank employing finite element analysis" was prompted by a project partner who was wishing to lower the production costs for his heating oil tanks whilst still retaining his licence for the production and sale of these heating oil storage tanks. The calculation and licensing of plastic containers for the storage of liquids that constitute a danger to groundwater is currently performed on the basis of sample calculations. These are restricted to the calculation of cylindrical tanks. This restriction is lifted when the calculation is performed with the finite element method (FEM). Greater freedom is design is then ensured, permitting a better use of space in storage rooms when tanks are arranged in groups, as is the standard procedure.