OPTIMAL SUPPORT RADIUS OF LOOSE-FITTING SADDLE SUPPORT

A parametric study is presented in this article with regard to the det ermination of optimal support radius of loose-fitting saddle support f or the cylindrical vessel. It is found that highly localized stresses arising from the saddle support can be reduced quite dramatically by u sing a clearance-fit saddle support. The initial gap between the saddl e and vessel relaxes the radial constraint at the saddle horn and ther eby results in stress reduction. Through the parametric study, the str ess reduction factor (S(g)) and a range of optimal saddle radii are ob tained and expressed by parametric formulae. Finally, examples are sho wn to illustrate the use and validity of the derived formulae.