Burst Analysis of Cylindrical Shells

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the burst pressure of a cylindrical shell subjected to internal pressure can be accurately predicted by using finite element method. The computer software ANSYS (Swanson Analysis System Inc., 2003, “ Engineering Analysis Systems User's Manual”) is employed to perform a static, nonlinear analysis (both geometry of deformation and material behavior) using three-dimensional 20 node structural solid elements. The “Newton–Raphson method” and the “arclength method” are both employed to solve the nonlinear equations. A comparison with various empirical equations shows that the static finite element method simulation using the arclength method can be employed with sufficient accuracy to predict the burst pressure of a cylindrical shell. It is also shown that the Barlow equation is a good predictor of burst pressure of cylindrical shells.