Rahul Pillai
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Pressure vessels are critical components in industries such as petrochemical, nuclear, and aerospace, where they operate under high pressures and temperatures. The structural integrity of these vessels under thermal stress is vital to prevent catastrophic failures. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of thermal stresses on pressure vessels and assessing their structural integrity using analytical and numerical methods consistent with technologies available up to 2020. Thermal stress analysis is carried out by applying transient and steady-state thermal loadings on typical vessel geometries. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is employed to simulate stress distribution and deformation patterns. The results demonstrate that thermal gradients significantly influence stress concentration zones, which are potential sites for crack initiation. The study concludes with recommendations for design improvements and maintenance strategies to enhance the durability and safety of pressure vessels under thermal stress.
Keywords
Pressure vessels, thermal stress, structural integrity, finite element analysis, stress concentration, transient thermal loading
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https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4039624
