Stress Analysis in Vessels Using Finite Element Method

The structural integrity and reliability of pressure vessels play an important role to ensure safety and optimal performance. The structural strength is calculated from the maximum stresses that occur in a pressure vessel based on the operating loads it receives. Technological advances have provided an option in performing structural strength analysis with the finite element method, a numerical computation that allows engineers to accurately predict the behavior of complex structures subjected to various load conditions. This research aims to obtain design results and design strength calculations on pressure vessels using ASME section VIII standards. Horizontal type pressure vessel with SS 400 steel material and yield strength of 235 MPa is analyzed using ANSYS Student Edition. The analysis results show that the maximum stress occurs at the base of the pressure vessel in direct contact with the fluid. The analyzed pressure vessel has met the necessary criteria and is fit for production at static loading up to 2.5 Mpa where the specimen deforms about 0.17613 mm with a strain of about 0.0011559, and a stress of about 229.38 MPa. However, at 3 MPa loading, the stress has exceeded the material's allowable stress of 235 MPa. This study has a safety factor (SF) of 1 with a yield strength (YS) of 235 MPa. This means that the pressure vessel is designed to withstand loads that produce a maximum stress equal to YS without undergoing permanent plastic deformation.Keywords: Pressure vessel, stress analysis, finite element method