Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak Campus)

School of Engineering and Science

HES 5320 Solid Mechanics

Lab Sheet: Thick-walled Pressure Vessels

Name:...
Student ID:.....
Group Number:..
Date performed experiment: ....
Lab supervisor:

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

INTRODUCTION :
In this Experiment we measure strain at a number of locations in a thick-walled aluminium cylinder
as shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. Our aim is to convert these strains to experimental
stresses and compare these with theoretical stresses.

Figure 1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

cylinder
strain gauge measuring point
pressure gauge
hydraulic cylinder with hydraulic pump
connection for measurement amplifier FL 151

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

Figure 2

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

THEORY
In the case of the Thick Cylinder longitudinal stress z may be ignored and only a biaxial stress
system need be considered; the Figure below shows an element of material at some radius r and
contained within the elemental cylinder. This cylinder is subjected to an internal pressure pi. This
cylinder is a biaxial stress system. Hence, principal stresses and r are acting on this element. The
principal strains set up by these stresses are:

r

z

r
E

z
E

z r
r

Now assuming the elementary Lame Equations;

(1)

A and B are constants which may be found using boundary conditions

Consider the cylinder with piston z = 0.0

The boundary conditions for the above cylinder are

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

(2)

(3)
Where
r = The radial stress (MPa)
= The circumference stress (MPa)
ri = The inner diameter (m)
ro = The outer diameter (m)
k = ro / ri
Internal pressure only

(4)

The cylinder is subjected to an internal pressure pi. This cylinder is a biaxial stress system. The
principal strains set up by the principal stresses r and are:

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

1
r
E
1
r
E

z r
E

(5)

E = 72000 N/m2 (Young modulus for Aluminum)

= 0.33
(Poisson Ratio)
Cylinder diameter: 150mm (ro = 70 mm), (ri = 20 mm)
Substitute eqns. 4 in eqns. 5

Pi
r
E k 2 1

ro2 ro2
1 2 1 2
r r

Pi
r
E k 2 1

ro2 ro2
1 2 1 2
r r

k = ro/ ri = 74.5/18.625 = 4

5550
5550
0.331 2
2
r
r

5550
5550

0
.
33

1 2
r2
r

r 9.524 10 13 pi 1
9.524 10 13 pi 1
EXPERIMENT

SAFETY, PRECAUTION & REMINDER

1. You have completed the SoECS Laboratory Safety Assessment and submitted the Lab Safet
Acknowledgement Slip before enter the lab
2. Make sure to sign the lab logbook
3. Do not pressurize the apparatus for more than 70 bar.
4. Allow the apparatus to warm up for about 30 minutes before conducting the run.
PROCEDURE:

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Start the program FL151.

Within the program, tare the strain gauge.
Tighten the relief valve.
Slowly apply some pressure into the cylinder by means of the hand pump. Pump the
pressure up to about 10 bar.
(5) Read and record all the final reading for 11 strain gauges.
(6) Repeat the experiment until 50 bar with every 10 bar increment. (REMINDER: DO NOT
PRESSURIZED THE CYLINDER MORE THAN 70 BAR)

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

(7) Compute the table provided and calculates the theoretical strain value. Compare this value
with the experimental result.
(8) Plot the graph of hoop and radial strain against radius of the cylinder. Discuss the finding
from the graph.

RESULTS
Experimental Results

Strain
Gauge

10

Pressure (bar)
20
30

40

50

40

50

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Note: The strain reading obtained must multiply with 10-4

1 m = 10-6 metres;
1 bar = 105 Pa.
Theoretical Results

Strain
Gauge

10

Pressure (bar)
20
30

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

Radius (mm)
20
30
40
50
60
70

10

Hoop Strain (mm/m)

20
30
40

50

Radius (mm)
30
40
50
60

Radial Strain (mm/m)

10
20
30
40

50

Radius (mm)
20
30
40
50
60
70

10

Hoop Stress (MPa)

20
30
40

50

Radial Stress (MPa)

10
20
30
40

50

Radius (mm)
30
40
50
60

LABORATORY REPORT :
Your group write-up of this Lab. should address previously stated aim and must be submitted
within two (2) weeks from date of conducting experiment hand in to the tutor .
Your lab report should include:
The cover sheet
An introduction
The methodology
Results
Plot separately the graph of radial stress vs. radius and hoop stress vs. radius for each
pressure (10 and 30 bar) for comparing: experimental stress with theoretical stress. Vertical
axis of graphs should be stress and horizontal axis radial location.
Plot separately the graph of radial strain vs. radius and hoop strain vs. radius for each
pressure (10 and 30 bar) for comparing: experimental stress with theoretical stress. Vertical
axis of graphs should be strain and horizontal axis radial location.
A Discussion and Conclusion.
Sample Calculations in an Appendix at end of Report.
Total 10 Marks
Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012

Reports should be stapled but no plastic pockets, please try to be concise.

Dr. Saad A. Mutasher; updated by Dr. Soon Kok Heng2012