Optimal Shape Design to Minimize Stress Concentration Factors in Pressure Vessel Components

Abstract : The problem of shape optimization to minimize stress concentration factors is presented. Design variables are chosen such that optimal configurations can be produced for a cylindrical pressure vessel with an end closure and nozzle intersection. A system model is formed in which the stress gradients are calculated numerically using the finite elements method and optimization is performed by the penalty function technique. Various examples of the design algorithm are presented showing optimal geometries together with plots of boundary stress concentrations for the sequence of designs generated. (Author)