Methods for manufacture of reinforced composite vessel

A method for wrapping a mandrel having a cylindrical body and a convex, cylindrically symmetrical cap, the cap having an apex, comprising the steps of:

• (a) feeding at least two strands towards the mandrel from ports positioned at substantially equal azimuthal intervals around the mandrel;
• (b) initially, translating the mandrel with respect to said ports in a first axial direction so that the apex of the cap approaches said ports, while
• rotating the mandrel with respect to said ports in a certain azimuthal direction;
• (c) translating the mandrel axially with respect to said ports in a direction opposite to said first axial direction, while
• continuing to rotate the mandrel with respect to said ports in said certain azimuthal direction,
• said translating and rotating being effected at a first mutual ratio while said at least two strands are applied to the cap, thereby causing portions of said at least two strands to mutually overlap at a first radial distance from the apex, thereby anchoring said at least two strands on the cap at said first radial distance from the apex;
• (d) subsequently, translating the mandrel axially with respect to said ports in said first axial direction so that the apex of the cap again approaches said ports, while continuing to rotate the mandrel with respect to said ports in said certain azimuthal direction;
• and
• (e) translating the mandrel axially with respect to said ports in said direction opposite to said first axial direction, while continuing to rotate the mandrel with respect to said ports in said certain azimuthal direction;
• said subsequent translating and rotating being effected at a second mutual ratio, substantially different from said first mutual ratio, while said at least two strands are applied to the cap, thereby causing portions of said at least two strands to mutually overlap at a second radial distance from said apex that is substantially different from said first radial distance, thereby anchoring said at least two strands on the cap at said second radial distance from the apex.