Finite element modelling of sling-supported pressure vessels

A novel sling design for the support of horizontal pressure vessels is modelled by finite element methods. Each component is initially considered some distance apart and then brought together by using three-dimensional contact surfaces. Thereafter, external loads, such as self-weight, liquid fill and internal surcharge pressure, are applied to the combined model. Several numerical difficulties arising because of the different flexibilities of the vessel shell and the sling support, which has the form of a cloth material, are overcome. The vessel strains and contact interface pressures are evaluated and plotted and show good agreement with experimental work. The magnitude of the strains at the location of the traditional saddle horn is significantly reduced. The maximum strain, however, is found to have moved to a new location well within the sling contact angle.