Finite Element Analysis of Pressure Vessels by different Elements

  Vidyadhar Reddy Potham,  Ravikrishnamoorthy.S

This paper presents applicable methods available using finite element analysis (FEA) in the field of study of pressure vessel. Discontinuity stresses in cylindrical pressure vessel connected to flat and hemispherical heads with internal pressure are determined by using principles specified in American Society of Mechanical Engineers (A.S.M.E) sec VIII division 1. In the present study 3D, axi-symmetric and symmetric models of pressure vessels are analyzed using ANSYS. The three models and the type of elements used are 3D model with solid elements, axi-symmetric model using plane elements, symmetric model using shell elements. Theoretical values obtained by discontinuity analysis are checked with ansys results and best methods in pressure vessel analysis are stated. Contact elements were tested to determine their usefulness in modeling the interaction between pressure vessel cylinder walls and heads. When modeled correctly, contact elements proved to be useful, but the operator also needs to be able to interpret the results properly. Problems such as local stress risers, unrealistic displacements and understanding how to use such data become extremely important in this kind of analysis. This highlights the key to proper use of finite element analysis. The analyst should be able to approximate the solution using classical methodology (hand calculations) in order to verify the solution.

Keywords- Pressurevessel, Finite element analysis,Discontinuity stresses,Elements.

Unique Identification Number - IJEDR1502020
Page Number(s) - 103-107
Pubished in - Volume 3 | Issue 2 | May 2015
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) -   
Publisher - IJEDR (ISSN - 2321-9939)

  Vidyadhar Reddy Potham,  Ravikrishnamoorthy.S,   "Finite Element Analysis of Pressure Vessels by different Elements", International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (IJEDR), ISSN:2321-9939, Volume.3, Issue 2, pp.103-107, May 2015, Available at :http://www.ijedr.org/papers/IJEDR1502020.pdf