Pressure Vessel Topic ES9

Pressure Vessel
Mechanics of Deformable Bodies

Introduction
According to (Khurmi and Gupta, 2005), The pressure vessels (i.e.
cylinders or tanks) are used to store fluids under pressure. The fluid
being stored may undergo a change of state inside the pressure vessel
as in case of steam boilers or it may combine with other reagents as in
a chemical plant. The pressure vessels are designed with great care
because rupture of a pressure vessel means an explosion which may
cause loss of life and property. The material of pressure vessels may be
brittle such as cast iron, or ductile such as mild steel.
Classification of Pressure Vessel
• If the wall thickness of the shell (t) is less
than 1/10 of the diameter of the shell (d),
then it is called a THIN WALLED (SHELL)
• If the wall thickness of the shell is greater
than 1/10 of the diameter of the shell, then
it is said to be a THICK WALLED (SHELL)
Note: Another criterion to classify the pressure

vessels as thin shell or thick shell is the internal
fluid pressure (p) and the allowable stress (𝜎𝑡 ).
If the internal fluid pressure (p) is less than 1/6
of the allowable stress, then it is called a thin
shell. On the other hand, if the internal fluid
pressure is greater than 1/6 of the allowable
stress, then it is said to be a thick shell
Stresses in a Thin Cylindrical Shell due to an
Internal Pressure
The analysis of stresses induced in a thin cylindrical shell are made on the following assumptions:
1. The effect of curvature of the cylinder wall is neglected.
2. The tensile stresses are uniformly distributed over the section of the walls.
3. The effect of the restraining action of the heads at the end of the pressure vessel is neglected.
When a thin cylindrical shell is subjected to an internal pressure, it is likely to fail in the following two ways:
1. It may fail along the longitudinal section (i.e. circumferentially) splitting the cylinder into two troughs,
as shown below.
2. It may fail across the transverse section (i.e. longitudinally) splitting the cylinder into two cylindrical
shells, as shown below.
Where: P = intensity of internal pressure
d = internal diameter of the cylindrical shell
l = length of the cylindrical shell
t = thickness of the cylindrical shell
𝜎𝑡 = circumferential (tangential) or hoop stress for the material of the
cylindrical wall.
We know that the total force acting on a longitudinal section (i.e. along the
diameter X-X) of the shell.
= intensity of pressure (Projected area) = P(d)(l) equation 1
and the total resisting force acting on the cylinder walls

= 𝜎𝑡 (2t)(l) equation 2
From equation 1 and 2 we have
𝜎𝑡 (2t)(l) = P(d)(l)
𝑃𝑑
Simplify further: 𝜎𝑡 = equation 3
2𝑡
• In the design of engine cylinders, a value of 6 mm to 12 mm is added in equation
(3) to permit reboring after wear has taken place.
𝑃𝑑
Therefore: 𝜎𝑡 = + 6 to 12 mm
2𝑡
• In constructing large pressure vessels like steam boilers, riveted joints or welded
joints are used in joining together the ends of steel plates. In case of riveted
joints, the wall thickness of the cylinder.
𝑃𝑑
𝜎𝑡 =
2𝑡𝑒
e = efficiency of the longitudinal riveted joint
• In case of cylinders of ductile material, the value of circumferential stress (𝜎𝑡 )

may be taken 0.8 times the yield point stress (𝜎𝑦 ) and for brittle materials, 𝜎𝑡
may be taken as 0.125 times the ultimate tensile stress (𝜎𝑢 ).
𝜎𝑙 = longitudinal stress
In this case, the total force acting on the transverse
section (i.e. along Y-Y)
= intensity of pressure (cross sectional area)
𝜋
=P 𝑑2 equation 1
4
the total resisting force is = 𝜎𝑙 (𝜋)(𝑑)(𝑡) equation 2
From equation 1 and 2, we have
𝜋
𝜎𝑙 (𝜋) 𝑑 𝑡 = P 𝑑2
4
pd
𝜎𝑙 = 4t
If e is the efficiency of the circumferential joint, then

pd
𝜎𝑙 = 4t𝑒
From above we see that the longitudinal stress is

half of the circumferential or hoop stress.
Therefore, the design of a pressure vessel must be
based on the maximum stress i.e. hoop stress.
Example problem Given: d=1.2m ;
𝑁
P=1.75𝑚𝑚2 ; 𝜎𝑙 =28 Mpa
; 𝜎𝑡 =42 Mpa
A thin cylindrical pressure vessel Required: When longitudinal stress does
of 1.2 m diameter generates not exceed 28 Mpa and When
steam at a pressure of 1.75 circumferential stress does not exceed
42 Mpa.
N/mm2. Find the minimum wall
thickness, if (a) the longitudinal Solution:
pd 1.75(1200)
stress does not exceed 28 MPa; For longitudinal t= = =
4𝜎𝑙 4(28)
and (b) the circumferential stress 18.75𝑚𝑚
does not exceed 42 MPa. pd
For circumferential t= =
2𝜎𝑙
1.75(1200)
= 25 𝑚𝑚
2(42)
The shell plates of a boiler 4.5 m
𝑀𝑁
diameter are 42 mm thick and the tensile
strength of the material is 495 𝑚2 . The efficiency of the longitudinal seams is 85%
and that of the circumferential seams 85%. Find the working pressure allowing a
factor of safety 5.
𝑀𝑁
Given: d = 4.5m ; t = 42mm ; 𝑆𝑢 = 495 𝑚2 ; FS = 5 ; longitudinal and circumferential
efficiency are both 85%
Required: working pressure

Solution:
𝑃𝑑 𝑆𝑢
=
2𝑡𝑒 𝐹.𝑆
𝑃 4500
2(42)(0.85)
P = 1.5708 Mpa

Pressure Vessel Topic ES9

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Pressure Vessel

Mechanics of Deformable Bodies

Note: Another criterion to classify the pressure

and the total resisting force acting on the cylinder walls

From equation 1 and 2 we have

• In case of cylinders of ductile material, the value of circumferential stress (𝜎𝑡 )

If e is the efficiency of the circumferential joint, then

From above we see that the longitudinal stress is

Required: working pressure

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