Parametric studies of cylindrical pressure vessels with different end closures

Abstract

Recent developments in the finite element technique using incremental elements permit an easier and more precise determination of stresses, strains and displacements in cylindrical pressure vessels having different end closures. In this paper the geometry analysed is a cylindrical pressure vessel having hemispherical, torispherical, semiellipsoidal and toriconical heads. An axisymmetric solid finite element program employing incremental elements was used for a useful range of vessel parameters. The formulation of the method used and the results of the parametric study obtained when internal pressure is applied to the vessel are presented. Results are reported in the form of stress intensity parameters based upon the mean circumferential stress of the cylindrical portion of the vessel away from the cylinder head junction.