General Procedure for Analyzing Thick Shells of Irregular Shapes for Mechanical and Thermal Loading

Abstract

A general method is presented for analyzing thick shells of irregular shape for mechanical and thermal loading, allowing axial as well as radial thermal gradients. The method takes into account geometry flexibility. It is shown that, for thick shells also, the beam on elastic foundation approach is applicable. With the new method, pressure-vessel calculations can be greatly simplified and engineering man-hours substantially reduced.