Strength of Thin Cylindrical Shells Under External Pressure

Abstract

Abstract The scope of existing formulas for the design of cylindrical tubes and vessels under external pressure, especially with regard to the determination of empirical constants and coefficients by systematic and comprehensive experimental data, is rather limited. The introduction and expansion of industrial processes, involving the treatment of materials under a vacuum, or within double-walled chambers whose jackets are filled with steam under high pressure, has, in conjunction with reduction in operating costs by the use of large units, resulted in the building of cylindrical vessels of great size, in the design of which engineers have had to be guided largely by what little past experience they could muster. The dimensions and proportions of these units fall far beyond the scope of any previous experiments. With fabrication costs so high and with satisfactory performance in service so important an item, the use of inadequate formulas can hardly be justified. Engineers called upon to execute these designs very rightly feel that they must have at their command workable scientific formulas, based upon logical application of accepted theories and capable of establishing proportions which will result in proper distribution and economy of material. It was because of the lack of adequate design formulas of this kind that the A.S.M.E. Special Research Committee on the Strength of Vessels Under External Pressure was organized. This paper represents the first attempt of the committee to meet the needs of designer and engineer. It is being published in advance of completion of research work on this project, to fill urgent needs in the profession and to bring forth suggestions, comment, and criticism from those interested in this work.