Análise estrutural pelo método de elementos finitos de um vaso de pressão com seção transversal não circular

Abstract

The present work aims to carry out a structural analysis of a pressure vessel with a non-circular cross section in the face of efforts caused by a pressure greater than 1 atm in its interior. Built in AISI 304 stainless steel, it was initially designed to act as a simple reservoir, not following the regulatory requirements applicable to pressure vessels. The analysis was performed using the finite element method (FEM), with the aid of computational tools. Subsequently, the calculation of the forces acting on its cross section was performed according to the ASME standard, section VIII, appendix 13, which deals with pressure vessels with a non-circular cross section. Finally, a general evaluation of the vessel was carried out, in order to verify the influence of adaptations made in the project on the mechanical strength of the analyzed component. Considering the ASME standard, the analyzed reservoir should be submitted to only the normal hydrostatic operating pressure, not supporting any other type of load. Through the numerical analysis performed, it can be seen that the operation of the equipment would still be possible if it were subjected to internal pressures lower than 6 KPa. It was observed that, when adding external reinforcement bars, the tank resistance increases, supporting a load up to 67% greater than that analyzed in the unreinforced case. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]