Plastic collapse loads of cylindrical pressure vessels supported by rigid saddles

Abstract

The plastic collapse of cylindrical pressure or storage vessels supported by rigid saddle supports is examined both experimentally and in an exploratory theoretical manner. Two cases are considered: (1) when the saddle is welded to the vessel, and (2) when the saddle and vessel are not welded. It is found that the load to cause first yield is much smaller than the fully plastic load and thus there exists a considerable reserve strength even when a vessel is stressed up to yield. The object of this investigation is to examine this considerable reserve strength and to provide results which, when taken with previous elastic studies, should help to improve vessel and support design.