VERTICAL PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN UNDER APPLIED FORCES AND VIBRATIONAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

With the exception of the comparatively straightforward scenario 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 utilize 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.