Authors: Shailendra Ramchandra Gawand, Santosh Rama Shekokar, N. A. Kharche
Abstract: This review paper presents a detailed analysis of pressure vessels, focusing on finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural integrity. Pressure vessels are widely used in industries such as chemical processing, power plants, and oil refineries, where they are subjected to extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Ensuring their safe and efficient operation requires a thorough understanding of stress distribution, deformation characteristics, and failure mechanisms. This study reviews existing research on the thermal stresses and deformations that develop in pressure vessels under various loading conditions. The analysis compares results from FEA with analytical methods to assess the accuracy and reliability of computational approaches. The pressure vessel is designed according to ASME Section VIII Division 2 standards, and key parameters such as shell thickness, head dimensions, and structural stability are evaluated using simulation tools. To gain deeper insights into structural performance, static and thermal analyses are conducted using ANSYS, incorporating multi-physics simulations that consider combined loading effects. Additionally, modal analysis is reviewed to determine the natural frequency of pressure vessels, which is crucial for understanding vibration characteristics and avoiding resonance-related failures. A specific focus is given to the effects of different constraint conditions, particularly those related to saddle support configurations. The study reviews two different constraint conditions of the right-hand saddle, examining their influence on stress distribution and deformation patterns under constant internal design temperature and pressure. This comparative assessment provides valuable insights into optimizing support structures to enhance pressure vessel performance and longevity. Overall, this review consolidates key findings from previous studies on pressure vessel analysis, highlighting advancements in FEA methodologies and their application in structural assessment. The insights presented in this paper aim to aid engineers and researchers in designing more reliable pressure vessels with improved safety margins and operational efficiency.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17963645
International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology