This paper describes how optimal shapes for axisymmetric pressure vessels can be established based on maximizing limit pressure. This type of problem has been rarely examined in the literature due to the difficulty of evaluating limit loads. However, the “elastic compensation method” is used to approximate the limit load using elastic analysis alone, which opens the possibility of studying shape optimization based on limit pressure. The basic procedure, using a commercial finite element analysis system, is described and three example problems are examined. The aim is to investigate how much of an increase in load-carrying capacity could potentially be achieved if nonstandard pressure vessel shapes could be employed in practice. Of course, this may not be possible, but the results described here do contribute to a better understanding of the role shape plays in providing strength to a simple pressure vessel. [S0094-9930(00)00304-8]
Skip Nav Destination
e-mail: jtboyle@dmecheng.strath.ac.uk
Article navigation
November 2000
Technical Papers
Optimal Shapes for Axisymmetric Pressure Vessels: A Brief Overview
Lei Zhu,
Lei Zhu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, Scotland
Search for other works by this author on:
J. T. Boyle
e-mail: jtboyle@dmecheng.strath.ac.uk
J. T. Boyle
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, Scotland
Search for other works by this author on:
Lei Zhu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, Scotland
J. T. Boyle
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, Scotland
e-mail: jtboyle@dmecheng.strath.ac.uk
Contributed by the Pressure Vessels and Piping Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF PRESSURE VESSEL TECHNOLOGY. Manuscript received by the PVP Division, July 7, 1999; revised manuscript received July 17, 2000. Associate Technical Editor: R. Gwaltney.
J. Pressure Vessel Technol. Nov 2000, 122(4): 443-449 (7 pages)
Published Online: July 17, 2000
Article history
Received:
July 7, 1999
Revised:
July 17, 2000
Citation
Zhu, L., and Boyle, J. T. (July 17, 2000). "Optimal Shapes for Axisymmetric Pressure Vessels: A Brief Overview ." ASME. J. Pressure Vessel Technol. November 2000; 122(4): 443–449. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1308572
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Cited By
Related Articles
An Analytical Method for Cylindrical Shells With Nozzles Due to Internal Pressure and External Loads—Part II: Design Method
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (June,2010)
Parametric FEA Study of Burst Pressure of Cylindrical Shell Intersections
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (June,2010)
Influence of Pad Reinforcement on the Limit and Burst Pressures of a Cylinder-Cylinder Intersection
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (May,2003)
An Analysis of Filament Overwound Toroidal Pressure Vessels and Optimum Design of Such Structures
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (May,2002)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
New Guidelines on Assessing the Risk of Fatigue Failure and Remaining Life of Ageing Pressure Vessels:
Ageing and Life Extension of Offshore Facilities
Background InformatIon
Guidebook for the Design of ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels
Section VIII: Division 2–Alternative Rules
Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes, Volume 2, Sixth Edition