Abstract
The experimental and numerical analyses of the pressure vessels with different flat ends are presented and discussed in the paper. The main aim of the study is to propose the optimal flat head end geometry. The analyses are focused on the comparison of standardized geometries and with the proposed elliptical cut-out. The experimental tests with the application of strain-gauge measurements and numerical modeling of the pressure vessel are conducted. The behavior under low and high pressures and the influence of the residual welding stresses, material properties, and geometrical tolerances on the level of the plastic deformation in the flat end is discussed. It is presented that the rules given in the recent standard are not sufficient for optimal selection of the optimal geometry. It is observed that in certain geometries the deviations of the pipe thickness may lead to a significant increase of the equivalent stresses. The residual welding stresses have a significant influence on the stress and strain level—particularly in the stress relief groove (SRG). The performed study and comparison of the different geometries allow for the proposal of the optimal shape of the flat end. It appeared that the pressure vessels with SRG are the most optimal choice, particularly when elliptic shapes are in use. In some cases (i.e., pipe with wall-thickness equal to 40 mm and the flat end with circular SRG), the optimal configuration is reached for dimensions beyond the admissible by code range.
Highlights
Pressure vessels are widely used in various areas of industry, such as power or chemical engineering, and as reactors, storage, railway or car cisterns as well as in non-industrial applications
The most common loads appearing in such structures are the inner or outer pressure and thermal loadings resulting from temperature differences between certain parts of the tanks. This results in the respective stress distributions, which influence in particular the pipe wall thickness
In the case of the flat end with the optimal shape of the stress relief groove, the residual welding stresses significantly decrease the strength of the structure
Summary
Pressure vessels are widely used in various areas of industry, such as power or chemical engineering, and as reactors, storage, railway or car cisterns as well as in non-industrial applications. The most common loads appearing in such structures are the inner or outer pressure and thermal loadings resulting from temperature differences between certain parts of the tanks. This results in the respective stress distributions, which influence in particular the pipe wall thickness. Other dimensions such as diameters are set according to the demands of the shape of the design [1]. Due to the possibilities of catastrophic and unexpected failures, all pressure apparatuses are subjected to strict, internationally accepted regulations, which must be used in all stages of object operation, starting from the designing, through the manufacturing to the operation [5,6,7,8]
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