PARAMETRIC EQUATIONS FOR MAXIMUM STRESSES IN CYLINDRICAL VESSELS SUBJECTED TO THERMAL-EXPANSION LOADING

This paper derives a set of parametric equations for finding the maxim um stresses developed in a cylindrical Vessel which is supported by tw o saddles firmly secured to the foundation and subjected to thermal ex pansion loading. Three types of stresses are considered: maximum stres s intensity, maximum circumferential stress and maximum axial stress. The maximum stresses in the vessel are found to be governed by the hei ght and width of the saddle, the spacing between the two supports and the relative structural rigidity between the support and the vessel. T his paper is an extension of the work reported by Tooth et al. (1996)[ 1]. Using a least square curve fitting procedure, parametric equations for the maximum stresses developed in the vessel have been establishe d. Raw data used for the curve fitting were obtained from a comprehens ive finite element study which covers a wide range of key dimensions. A total of 900 finite element runs have been performed. The derived pa rametric equations are subsequently validated against the raw data and their error bounds are established. In all cases the maximum errors a re found to be within 20%. The established parametric equations can be used directly in design calculations. The curve fitting procedure out lined in this paper has wide application for any set of generated or m easured data. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.