Shell – Cylinder with Internal Pressure

Problem Description

In this example a cylinder is analyzed for an internal pressure load. The resulting radial outward displacement, vertical displacement at the top of the cylinder and σ11 stress are compared with hand calculated results based on formulas presented in Roark and Young 1975.

The cylinder is 200 inches tall and has a 60 inch radius. The wall thickness is 1 inch.

The applied load is a uniform radial pressure of 1 k/in2 on the inside face of the entire cylinder.

The local axes of all joints are oriented such that axis 1 points radially outward and axis 3 points upward. The joints at the base of the cylinder are restrained against translation in the local 2 and 3 directions. All other joints are restrained against translation in the local 2 direction.

The local axes of all area objects (shells) are oriented such that axis 3 points radially outward and axis 2 points upward.

Two different models are created for the analysis. The models are identical except for the shell element mesh. Model A uses an 8x16 mesh (height x circumference) and Model B used a 24x48 mesh.

Tested Features

•  Three-dimensional analysis using shell elements
•  Surface pressure load applied to shell elements
•  Joint local axes

Result Comparison,

App Link:

https://openbrim.org/objidqkwwq6hmntralc6rvl13qj.project

Library Link:

https://openbrim.org/objida9752cda7cst11ea87cix.libobj