The results of full-size pressure vessel tests are summarized and used to demonstrate the validity of design procedures developed by others. In particular, design for low cycle (plastic) fatigue strength and fracture safety are investigated. The results justify the design stress recommendations made by PVRC to ASME and confirm the NRL fracture analysis diagram procedure hypothesis. It is emphasized that full advantage can be taken of high strength materials only by improvement of fabrication and inspection procedures.
Large-size circular-plate specimens made of typical pressure-vessel materials were tested to determine their low-cycle fatigue strength. The test consisted of two distinct phases; i.e., development of an appropriate testing apparatus and the fatigue testing of the plate specimens. A unique apparatus was developed to test simply supported, circular plate-type specimens. Through a hydraulic system, a uniform pressure was applied to the specimen that resulted in a state of equibiaxial strain at the center of the plate. Tests were conducted to evaluate the pressure-deflection characteristics for various specimen strain levels. Biaxial fatigue data with a strain ratio (circumferential to radial) of 1:1 were generated for three pressure-vessel materials (A-201, A-302, T-1) for a completely reversed strain cycle. Initial cracking was used as a criterion of failure. Cracks were determined by monitoring electrical-resistance strain gages mounted on the specimen.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.