Capped pressure vessel - strength and stability

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mechanics of materials, specifically regarding the stress and strain in capped cylindrical pressure vessels and the critical buckling load for closed-end vessels subjected to axial compression. Participants explore the limitations of existing literature and seek additional resources for these specific scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that standard formulas for stress and strain in cylindrical pressure vessels typically assume open ends and questions the applicability of these formulas to capped vessels.
  • Another participant references Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain, suggesting it contains relevant information on the topic, although the original poster expresses skepticism about the coverage of capped vessels.
  • A different participant mentions that previous editions of Roark's book primarily address open vessels and questions whether closed-end vessels are adequately represented in the literature.
  • One suggestion is made to consult Den Hartog's Advanced Strength of Materials for further insights on the subject, indicating that it may contain more extensive discussions on the problem of capped vessels.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the availability of formulas for capped pressure vessels in existing literature, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the adequacy of current resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in existing texts, particularly regarding the treatment of closed-end vessels and the applicability of established theories like Timoshenko’s Theory of Elastic Stability, which may not include closed ends.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals in mechanical engineering, materials science, and related fields who are interested in the mechanics of pressure vessels and stability analysis.

FEAnalyst
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TL;DR
What are the formulas for calculation of strengtg and stability of capped cylndrical pressure vessel?
Hi,
in mechanics of materials books one may easily find fomulas for stress and strain in thin- and thick-walled cylindrical pressure vessels subjected to internal pressure. However, it is assumed that they are open. So what are the formulas for stress and strain in capped vessels (with flat or hemi-spherical end caps)?

My second question is also related to cylindrical pressure vessels but subjected to axial compression. Again, books provide equations for critical buckling load in such case but can it be calculated for closed-end vessels too (like a soda can)?
 
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My 5th Edition of Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain has a whole section on exactly that problem. I see that the current 9th Edition has 300 more pages than the 5th Edition, so should be an even better resource. Given the questions you have been asking, I highly recommend that you get a copy of Roark for your library.
 
I already bought this book (newest version) and will get it soon. But, from what I’ve seen in older releases, there are only tables with formulas for open pressure vessels. Maybe capped ends are mentioned in the text before the tables. What about the buckling of closed cylindrical shell subjected to axial compression ? I’m almost sure that books provide equations only for open vessels. Especially that they are based on Timoshenko’s Theory of Elastic Stability where closed ends are not included, if I remember correctly.
 
I suggest the OP also look at Den Hartog's Advance Strength of Materials text. I seem to recall considerable discussion of this problem there.
 
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