A system includes a source of pressurized fluid, a primary pressure vessel disposed in fluid communication with the source, and a supplemental pressure vessel disposed in fluid communication with the source and in fluid communication with the primary pressure vessel. The primary pressure vessel has a first life expectancy duration and includes a first structural characteristic. The supplemental pressure vessel has a second life expectancy duration shorter than the first life expectancy duration and includes a second structural characteristic. A method uses a supplemental pressure vessel to predict impending failure of a primary pressure vessel. The method includes connecting a primary pressure vessel to a source of pressurized fluid, fluidly connecting a supplemental pressure vessel with the source and with the primary pressure vessel, and exposing the supplemental pressure vessel to a first fatigue load to cause its failure before failure of the primary pressure vessel occurs.

A bearing for one or a plurality of pressure vessels configured to store gaseous fuel includes at least one bearing plate per pressure vessel and a mounting. The bearing plate on an inside has a clearance configured to pass through a longitudinal end of the pressure vessel, and on an outside has a periphery configured to receive a mounting. The mounting has a first part and a second part. The second part is fastened to the first part. The periphery or the peripheries of the bearing plates is/are received in one or a plurality of intermediate spaces between the first part and the second part. The bearing plates are convex in such a way that, when viewed in a longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel, the clearance is displaced in comparison to the periphery.

Disclosed is a sensor for monitoring a composite structure. The sensor includes multiple sensing elements of different sizes, each configured for different respective monitoring tasks. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating the sensor, designing and manufacturing the sensor, and attaching the sensor to the composite structure.

A method for fixing an assembly onto a gas vessel configured to contain a pressurized fluid. The assembly including a housing, an electronic acquisition board secured to the housing, and a strain gauge. The method including fixing the strain gauge to the vessel using a second adhesive means, the strain gauge being fixed to the vessel in such a way to allow deformation along with the vessel under the effect of the pressurized gas contained in the vessel. Electrically connecting the strain gauge and the electronic acquisition board using at least one electric cable thereby allowing the housing to be free to move relative to the strain gauge. Fixing the housing to the vessel using a first adhesive means so as to cover the strain gauge and thereby leaving a volume of air between the housing and the strain gauge and/or between the strain gauge and the electronic acquisition board.