An Improved Finite Element Model to Study Stress Concentration Around an Elliptical Cutout in Pressure Vessel: Validation : Part-I

Abstract

A finite element model to the analysis of thin shell structures with cutouts/inclusions is developed based on shear deformation theory. An eight-noded isoparametric shell element is considered with six degrees of freedom at each node. A convergence study is under taken to arrive at a suitable finite element mesh. The loading conditions include uniform tension, uniform pressure. The finite element results presented in this work are shown to be in good agreement with available analytical and experimental data and the direction for future work is also given.