Problem Set – Thin – Walled Vessel

Problem 1
To determine the strength of the riveted joints in a cylindrical vessel, tensile tests were
performed on the 6-in.-wide specimens, as shown in the figure. The tensile force P at failure
was found to be 32 kips for the longitudinal joint specimen and 16 kips for the circumferential
joint specimen. Determine the largest allowable inner diameter of the cylinder that can support
a pressure of 150 psi

Problem 2
The cylindrical tank with a spherical end-cap has an outer radius of 2 m and a wall thickness of
25 mm. If the tank is pressurized to 1.5 MPa, determine the longitudinal and circumferential
stresses in the cylinder, and the stress in the end-cap

Problem 3
The tank shown in Fig. P-141 is fabricated from 1/7-in steel plate. Calculate the maximum
longitudinal and circumferential stress caused by an internal pressure of 135 psi.
(Hint: Similar problem in Mathalino.com)
Problem 4
A pipe carrying steam at 3.7 MPa has an outside diameter of 470 mm and a wall thickness of 12
mm. A gasket is inserted between the flange at one end of the pipe and a flat plate used to cap
the end. How many 40-mm-diameter bolts must be used to hold the cap on if the allowable
stress in the bolts is 81 MPa, of which 57 MPa is the initial stress? What circumferential stress is
developed in the pipe? Why is it necessary to tighten the bolt initially, and what will happen if
the steam pressure should cause the stress in the bolts to be twice the value of the initial
stress?
(Hint: Similar problem in Mathalino.com)