Dynamic Burst Pressure Simulation of Cylindrical Shells

Abstract

The object of this study is to determine the short-term burst pressure of metal cylinders under short-term dynamic loading conditions. The finite element method via the use of the LS-DYNA code (1998, LS-DYNA Theoretical Manual, Livermore Software Technology Corporation) is used to carry out the study. The influence of the geometric parameters diameter (D) and wall thickness (T) as well as loading parameters such as the dynamic pressure versus time function is examined. Additionally, an empirical formula based on experimental data and incorporating the ultimate dynamic strength of low carbon steel is developed. Based on the agreement between the results of the finite element analyses and those of the empirical formula, it can be concluded that a properly modeled finite element analysis (FEA) can be employed with sufficient accuracy to study the short-term dynamic burst pressures of metal cylinders.