Numerical simulation of the influence of reinforcement ring on the stress and strain distibution in pressure vessels

Abstract

The analysis of the influence of a reinforcement ring on the stress and strain state within a pressure vessel by using numerical methods is presented in this paper. The aim was to compare the numerical results for different reinforcement ring geometries (in terms of width), while assuming that a crack is present in the welded joint connecting the ring to the pressure vessel outer wall. The numerical simulation was based on a pressure vessel which is typically used as a part of hydro power plants, containing a manhole which is supported by the reinforcement ring. The results obtained by the simulation can be used as a base for further, more complex cases, such as a 3-dimensional analysis of the same problem.