Analytical and Experimental Stress Analysis of a Cylinder-to-Cylinder Structure

• Published in: Journal of pressure vessel technology 1977-11, Vol.99 (4), p.575-583
• Main Authors: Brown, S. J, Haizlip, L. D, Nielsen, J. M, Reed, S. E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0094-9930; 1528-8978
• DOI: 10.1115/1.3454576

This paper presents a comparison of stress results obtained using the FESAP three-dimensional finite element computer program with results obtained from experimental testing. The comparison was obtained for the case of internal pressure applied to a cylinder-to-cylinder structure with a variable shell thickness at the juncture and a D/d of 1.6. The experimental testing conducted at the Babcock & Wilcox Research Center, Alliance, Ohio, consisted of strain gage testing followed by a “stress freezing” photoelastic analysis. The numerical analysis was performed at the Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Equipment Division using the FESAP three-dimensional isoparametric element with incompatible modes. The model mesh was generated with the program FEMEG which is briefly discussed. The paper includes a detailed description of both the experimental and analytical studies. It is concluded that FESAP, with the eight-node incompatible mode element can accurately and economically predict the structural response of complex components.