VERTICAL PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN UNDER APPLIED FORCES AND VIBRATIONAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

With the exception of the comparatively straightforward example of cylindrical shells with standard-type
heads and apertures under uniform pressure, pressure-vessel rules do not provide design procedures. When
dealing with increasingly complex structures and loading systems, the designer must utilise engineering
concepts. The study addresses the vibration of vertical pressure vessels, such as columns or towers, as well as
vessels that are exposed to different applied pressures operating in conjunction with internal or external
pressure. The vessels under consideration are cylindrical shells with a vertical longitudinal axis. The method
for calculating the first mode of vibration period for columns with the same thickness and diameter over their
whole length is described. A detailed process for estimating the period of vibration of multi-thickness
(stepped shell) vessels and/or vessels built to two or more diameters with conical transitions where the
diameter difference is small is described, along with a method for designing vessels that are regarded as
dynamic structures. The practical vessel designer faced with the challenge of examining vibration possibilities
in vertical pressure vessels will find the described design process helpful.