A Simple Technique for Calculating Shakedown Loads in Pressure Vessels

Abstract

A fundamental examination has been made of the post-yield behaviour at discontinuities in pressure vessels with a view to determining shakedown loads. The results of this indicate that a simple graphical construction can be devised whereby such loads are easily determined with only a knowledge of the elastic stresses and a yield criterion; in particular, a ‘five line construction’ method is suggested which can be applied to a wide range of engineering stress problems. The method is exemplified by a study of shakedown loads for both flush cylinder-sphere and cylinder-cylinder intersections under internal pressure, and the implications of the results in terms of current design philosophies are discussed.