Maximum Bending Moment at Junction of Skirt and Bearing Plate Calculator

Maximum Bending Moment Formula:

\[ M_{max} = f_{appliedload} \times b \times \left(\frac{l^2}{2}\right) \]

Maximum Bending Moment (N·m):

1. What is Maximum Bending Moment at Junction of Skirt and Bearing Plate?

Definition: This calculator determines the maximum bending moment at the junction where a skirt meets a bearing plate in pressure vessel design.

Purpose: It helps mechanical engineers and designers ensure structural integrity at critical junctions in pressure vessels and similar equipment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ M_{max} = f_{appliedload} \times b \times \left(\frac{l^2}{2}\right) \]

Where:

\( M_{max} \) — Maximum bending moment (N·m)
\( f_{appliedload} \) — Compressive stress (N/mm²)
\( b \) — Circumferential length of bearing plate (mm)
\( l \) — Difference between radii of bearing plate and skirt (mm)

Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum stress concentration at the junction point where the skirt transfers load to the bearing plate.

3. Importance of Maximum Bending Moment Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation ensures the structural integrity of pressure vessels, prevents failure at stress concentration points, and helps in proper material selection.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter compressive stress, circumferential length, and radius difference. All values must be > 0. The ±5% indicates acceptable tolerance ranges for these parameters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the bending moment maximum at this junction?
A: This junction experiences the highest stress concentration due to the change in geometry and load transfer between components.

Q2: What factors influence the compressive stress?
A: Internal pressure, vessel weight, wind loads, seismic loads, and other operational forces contribute to compressive stress.

Q3: How does the circumferential length affect the result?
A: Longer circumferential lengths distribute the load over a greater area, typically reducing stress concentrations.

Q4: What does the radius difference represent?
A: This is the dimensional difference between the bearing plate and skirt, affecting how the load is transferred between them.

Q5: How should the ±5% tolerance be interpreted?
A: This indicates the acceptable variation in input parameters that would still yield valid results for most engineering applications.