An efficient computer analysis of cylindrical liquid storage tanks under conditions of axial symmetry

Abstract

A simple, efficient numerical method is presented for the linear elastic analysis of axisymmetric cylindrical storage tanks with thin plate and wall elements made from homogeneous isotropic materials. The statical solution for the whole structure is based on the individual analyses of the wall and plate elements and the conditions of compatability of displacements at the element junctions. The approach allows for the accurate analysis of both open-topped tanks and tanks with roof disc or annular plates. The plate-wall connections can be hinged or monolithic and the radii of the wall and plates can differ. Moreover, the plate in-plane deformations may be taken into account and the tank wall can be ring stiffened. The range of supporting media includes both unyielding and elastic constraints provided along circular lines, as well as an elastic foundation idealized by either Winkler springs or an elastic half-space. The worked examples clearly indicate a high level of accuracy of the results, very low computation costs, broad range of applicability, and easy use of the computer program in the design work.