Limit Analysis of Pressure Components Based on Repeated Elastic Analyses

Abstract

Simplified methods of limit load determination, based on repeated linear elastic finite element analysis,have been in existence for over a decade. Considering the acceptable quality of results and costeffectiveness, these methods are emerging as reliable alternatives for the more involved inelastic finiteelement analysis. However, application of these methods to three-dimensional structures has beenlimited. A cylindrical pressure vessel with an oblique nozzle is considered in this paper to demonstratethat the method works well for three-dimensional structures. The reduced modulus method is thenextended for determining the limit loads of orthotropic components. Although the Hill's yieldcriterion is considered, the proposed method is generic.