Finite element analysis to estimate burst pressure of mild steel pressure vessel using Ramberg–Osgood model

Abstract

Summary Burst pressure is the pressure at which vessel burst/crack and internal fluid leaks. An accurate prediction of burst pressure is necessary in chemical, medical and aviation industry. Burst pressure is a design safety limit, which should not be exceeded. If this pressure is exceeded it may lead to the mechanical breach and permanent loss of pressure containment. So burst pressure calculation is necessary for all the critical applications. To numerically calculate burst pressure material curve is essential. There are various material models which are used to define material curve, amongst them Ramberg–Osgood is very popular. Ramberg–Osgood accurately capture material curve in strain hardening region. This approach is applicable for different material grades. In this paper a finite element method is used to predict burst pressure using Ramberg–Osgood equation. These results are then compared with results obtained from elasto-plastic curve and true stress strain curve. Results obtained by finite element analysis are validated with experimental data which is considered from open literature.