Optimal Shapes for Axisymmetric Pressure Vessels: A Brief Overview

This paper describes how optimal shapes for axisymmetric pressure vessels can be established based on maximizing limit pressure. This type of problem has been rarely examined in the literature due to the difficulty of evaluating limit loads. However, the elastic compensation method is used to approximate the limit load using elastic analysis alone, which opens the possibility of studying shape optimization based on limit pressure. The basic procedure, using a commercial finite element analysis system, is described and three example problems are examined. The aim is to investigate how much of an increase in load-carrying capacity could potentially be achieved if nonstandard pressure vessel shapes could be employed in practice. Of course, this may not be possible, but the results described here do contribute to a better understanding of the role shape plays in providing strength to a simple pressure vessel.

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