Stresses in Tapered Transition Joints in Pipelines and Pressure Vessels

Abstract

Theoretical formulas were developed which provide a means of computing the stresses in and near a tapered transition joint when the shell is subjected to internal pressure. The theoretical equations for stresses are compared with test results in which stresses were measured at and near tapered transition joints by means of electrical-resistance strain gages. Theory and test results are in adequate agreement. Since the resulting theoretical equations are quite complex, graphs of precalculated factors are shown to enable rapid calculation of the significant stress in any tapered transition joint in the dimensional range of wall-thickness ratios from one to two; and with transition tapers from an abrupt transition to a very small slope. The theory and graphs cover joints in which (a) the transition taper is both inside and outside of the shell to produce a geometrically balanced construction; (b) taper on the inside of the shell only; (c) taper on the outside of the shell only.