Presence of initial shape imperfection causes additional bending stres
ses to be developed in a pressurized cylinder. Although the bending st
ress will initially increase with pressure, it will finally settle dow
n to a certain value. This article derives the maximum bending stress
associated with the geometric shape imperfection. It also discusses th
e implication of this additional bending stress on the design stress a
nd allowable shape tolerance. Finally, it is concluded that a 1-percen
t diametral deviation, as commonly specified by most design codes, is
adequate and sound for the internally pressurized cylinder.