On the Thermoelastic Influence of Fluid-Gas Phase Transition Pressure on the Closed Structural Storage Container

Abstract

The current paper presents a finite element method (FEM) axisymmetric solution based on commercial software for an isotropic closed-ended container filled with fluid, located in the triple point phase (liquefied gas) while being converted into gas through a phase transition to critical point phase by a simultaneously rapid change of pressure and temperature to their critical values. The whole chemical process will be simulated through thermo-elastic analysis that is controlled by temperature-displacement dynamic coupling and subjected to step function boundary conditions alongside liquefied triple point initial conditions. In the process, the maximum principal stresses will be determined and illustrated as dependent on the container thickness. In the process, investigation will be carried out for prominent parameters, like, container hollow geometry type (spherical, ellipsoidal, and cylindrical) and raw material of the container. Commercial software solution calibration against existing literature solutions has been performed. Also, the solution accuracy was examined by element size mesh analysis to be coherent. In conclusion, the best materials to use were Molybdenum TZM and Tungsten while the preferred shape is the ellipsoidal shape. However, a typical vessel that is still durable with sufficient thermal strength for gas storage purposes is a cylinder body container with spherical ended cups made from Aluminum 6061 T6.