Effect of Pad Thickness and Width Variations on Plastic Limit Moment in Cylindrical Pressure Vessels Due to Nozzle In-Plane Load

This study investigates how different pad thicknesses and diameters affect the maximum stress a cylindrical pressure vessel can handle without failing, particularly around the areas where nozzles are attached. Nozzles on these vessels often face directional stress from loads applied in a specific plane, and these stresses mustn’t push the nozzle material beyond its breaking point. The research used computer simulations to see how these vessels, with various pad sizes and a set shell and nozzle size, behave under increasing stress until they reach their breaking point. Findings indicate that making the pad thicker or wider increases the vessel’s resistance to breaking up to a certain point; beyond this optimal size, making the pad larger doesn’t provide any additional benefit. This information helps design better and safer pressure vessels by identifying the best pad size to prevent failure. The study contributes to understanding how to avoid design issues and optimize the construction of these vessels, adhering to specific industry standards.