Very thin torispherical pressure vessel ends under internal pressure: Test procedure and typical results

Abstract

Very thin cylindrical pressure vessels with torispherical end-closures have been tested under internal pressure until buckles developed in the knuckles of the ends. These were prototype vessels in an austenitic stainless steel. The preparation of the ends and the closed test vessels is outlined, and the instrumentation, test installation, and test procedure are described. Results are given and discussed for three typical ends (diameters 54, 81, and 108in.; thickness to diameter ratios 0.00237, 0.00158, and 0.00119). These include measured thickness and curvature distributions, strain data and the derived elastic stress indices, and pole deflection measurements. Some details of the observed time-dependent plasticity (or ‘cold creep’) are given. Details of two types of buckle that developed eventually in the vessel ends are also reported.

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