Comparative assessment and numerical simulation of boiler shell materials

Abstract

Boilers are prone to both longitudinal and circumferential stresses. Hence, the need for better materials has been constant. Corrosion and stress failure due to extreme temperature conditions are common threats. Therefore, in the present research, numerical simulation and mechanical properties of various boiler shell materials have been highlighted. The results and conclusions have been obtained using the finite element analysis software ANSYS for commonly used boiler materials. The materials selected were Stainless Steel, Aluminum Alloy, and Composite materials. The Equivalent Stress (Von-Mises Stress) and Maximum Stress Failure criterion were used to identify the ultimate strength of all three materials. Findings indicated Structural Steel as safer when compared to other materials in terms of Equivalent Stress (Von-mises Stress). In addition, Titanium Alloy is extremely resistant to corrosion. As far as weight consideration, Aluminum alloy was the lightest among all three.