International Master’s in Theoretical and Practical pplication

Of Finite Element Method and CAE Simulation

STATEMENT
As a part of the continuous assessment learning process an exercise about pressure tank is
presented. This type of equipment is widely used in many industries with several applications.
The students are supposed to properly generate a pressure tanks Finite Element Model and
deal with pre and post-processing operations as well as 2D axisymmetric models.

Geometry

In this exercise the students have to generate a 2D axisymmetric model of the vessel importing
the 3D CAD model ScubaTank.stp from which the axisymmetric section will be extracted.
British Standards Units will be used and the results will be compared with analytical hand
calculations.

Boundary Conditions

The Finite element model has to be properly constrained in order that rigid body motions are
prevented.
The scuba tank has to withstand only an internal pressure equal to 3000psi while external
pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure.

Mesh

The finite elements size has to be properly chosen in order to avoid elements with high aspect
ratio while the number of finite elements on the vessel wall should allow to detect the stress
gradient along the wall thickness and moreover the stress concentrations close to the fillets.
Finite element used for this 2D axial-symmetric has to be properly chosen.

Results

The assessment of the scuba tank structural behavior is performed calculating the total and
the directional displacements as well as the radial, axial and hoop stress. Consider mesh
refinement in order to get more accurate stress results.