Overview
ISO/TR 13086-5:2022 - Gas cylinders - Information for design of composite cylinders - Part 5: Impact testing of composite cylinders provides guidance on impact testing and field experience relevant to the design and verification of composite gas cylinders and tubes. It covers the kinds of impacts composite cylinders may encounter in service - from routine handling knocks to high-energy accidents and high-velocity penetrations - and describes test concepts, observable damage modes, and inspection considerations. Unless otherwise stated, “cylinder” in the document refers to both cylinders and tubes.
Key topics and technical highlights
- Impact categories:
- Low energy impact (typical levels discussed: 30 J, 488 J, 1 200 J) - events such as tool drops, road debris strikes, or forklift contacts. The report explains typical visible indications (cuts, indentations, crazing, delamination) and relevant acoustic inspection methods (AET/MAE).
- High energy impact - accidents during transport or large-object impacts; focuses on design influence and visible outcomes.
- Drop impact - handling drops/tips; describes test scenarios and how drop energy relates to cylinder size and service conditions.
- High velocity impact - small, fast projectiles (e.g., gunfire); used to demonstrate non‑shatterability and residual safety behavior.
- Test concepts and parameters: discussions include what to vary in tests (object size, shape, mass, velocity, impact direction) and how standard energy levels relate to real-world events (e.g., 30 J representing road debris).
- Failure considerations and inspection: guidance on expected failure modes, assessment after impact, and when to remove cylinders from service. Visual inspection standards and the role of non‑destructive evaluation are addressed.
- Field incidents and case studies: real-world examples (bridge strikes, rollovers, forklift impacts, vehicle collisions) illustrate how cylinders respond and inform test selection.
- Informative annexes: Annexes A–E provide practical examples and supplementary testing guidance (low energy, drop, high-pressure drop, high velocity, alternative methods).
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Cylinder designers and engineers - to inform structural design and laminate selection for impact resistance.
- Manufacturers and production QA - to establish test plans and acceptance criteria for serial production of composite cylinders.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to develop impact test methods consistent with service-relevant energy levels.
- Automotive OEMs and hydrogen/NGV system integrators - for under‑vehicle and onboard fuel container safety assessments.
- Regulators, fleet operators and safety engineers - to evaluate inspection regimes, maintenance, and end‑of‑life removal criteria.
Related standards and references
- ISO 10286 (Gas cylinders - Vocabulary)
- Other parts of the ISO/TR 13086 series (for broader cylinder design guidance)
Keywords: ISO/TR 13086-5:2022, composite cylinders, impact testing, gas cylinders, drop impact, low energy impact, high energy impact, high velocity impact, non-shatterability, inspection.