Failure Probability Analysis for a Cylinder Subjected to General Loading Conditions

Abstract

This paper studies stresses and failure probabilities for a cylinder subjected to different combinations of inner pressure, outer pressure, axial load, torque, and thermal loading. Probabilistic analyses are used to predict the effects of variations of the geometric, mechanical, and load variables on the normal and log-normal probabilities of failure. The results show that these variables have different effects on the failure of the cylinder. Therefore, the probabilistic approach is important to predict the exact state of failure. Otherwise, the deterministic approach may yield erroneous decisions concerning the performance of the cylinder.