Formula Used:
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The formula calculates the diameter of a thin spherical shell based on strain, material properties, and internal pressure. It's derived from the relationship between stress, strain, and geometric parameters in thin-walled pressure vessels.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula relates the diameter of a spherical shell to the strain experienced under internal pressure, considering the material's elastic properties and wall thickness.
Details: Accurate diameter calculation is crucial for designing pressure vessels, storage tanks, and other spherical containers to ensure they can withstand internal pressures without excessive deformation.
Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure thickness, modulus, and pressure values are positive, and Poisson's ratio is between 0 and 0.5.
Q1: What is a thin spherical shell?
A: A thin spherical shell is a hollow sphere where the wall thickness is small compared to its diameter, typically with a thickness-to-radius ratio less than 1/10.
Q2: Why is Poisson's ratio important in this calculation?
A: Poisson's ratio accounts for the lateral contraction/expansion that occurs when a material is stretched/compressed, affecting the strain distribution in the spherical shell.
Q3: What are typical values for Poisson's ratio?
A: For most metals and alloys, Poisson's ratio ranges between 0.25-0.35. For rubber-like materials, it can approach 0.5.
Q4: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is valid for thin-walled spherical pressure vessels under internal pressure where the stress distribution is approximately uniform through the thickness.
Q5: What are the limitations of this formula?
A: The formula assumes linear elastic material behavior, small deformations, and uniform wall thickness. It may not be accurate for thick-walled vessels or materials with non-linear behavior.