Thickness of Plate Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the required thickness of a pressure vessel plate based on fluid pressure, vessel dimensions, joint efficiency, and material stress.
Purpose: It helps engineers design safe pressure vessels that can withstand internal pressures without failure.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum required thickness to resist the bursting pressure, considering joint strength and material limits.
Details: Proper thickness calculation ensures vessel safety, prevents catastrophic failures, and meets regulatory requirements while optimizing material usage.
Tips: Enter pressure, diameter, joint efficiency (typically 70-90% for riveted joints), material stress, and manufacturing tolerance (±%). All values must be > 0.
Q1: Why include manufacturing tolerance?
A: Manufacturing variations can affect thickness. The tolerance range (typically ±5%) accounts for these variations in actual production.
Q2: What's a typical joint efficiency for riveted joints?
A: Efficiency ranges from 0.7-0.9 (70-90%) depending on joint type and quality of workmanship.
Q3: How is circumferential hoop stress determined?
A: It's based on material properties and safety factors, typically 60-80% of the material's yield strength.
Q4: Does this consider corrosion allowance?
A: No, additional thickness should be added if corrosion is expected during the vessel's service life.
Q5: What safety factors should be applied?
A: The calculated thickness is theoretical minimum. Engineering codes typically require additional safety factors (1.5-4x) based on application.