A method of estimating limit loads by iterative elastic analysis. III—Torispherical heads under internal pressure

Abstract

A simple method of estimating limit loads using a sequence of elastic finite element analyses and the lower bound theorem, termed elastic compensation, is demonstrated on the problem of the estimation of the limit behaviour of torispherical pressure vessel heads. Two possible techniques of elastic compensation are discussed, one which has general application and one possibly specific to heads. The results are compared to a series of detailed elastic-plastic finite element analyses and to classical solutions.