Formula Used:
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Radial strain in thick cylinders refers to the deformation or change in dimension along the radial direction when subjected to internal or external pressures. It is a crucial parameter in pressure vessel design and mechanical engineering applications.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the radial strain by considering the combined effects of compressive stress, hoop stress, longitudinal stress, and material properties through Poisson's ratio and modulus of elasticity.
Details: Accurate calculation of radial strain is essential for designing pressure vessels, piping systems, and cylindrical structures to ensure they can withstand internal pressures without excessive deformation or failure.
Tips: Enter all stress values in Pascals (Pa). Poisson's ratio should be between 0.1 and 0.5 for most metals and alloys. Modulus of elasticity must be a positive non-zero value.
Q1: What is the typical range for Poisson's ratio?
A: For most metals and alloys, Poisson's ratio ranges between 0.1 and 0.5, with common values around 0.3 for steel and 0.33 for aluminum.
Q2: How does radial strain differ from hoop strain?
A: Radial strain measures deformation in the radial direction (thickness change), while hoop strain measures circumferential deformation (diameter change).
Q3: When is this formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for thick-walled cylinders where stress distribution is not uniform across the wall thickness.
Q4: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The formula assumes linear elastic material behavior and may not be accurate for materials with significant plastic deformation or non-linear behavior.
Q5: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature changes can affect material properties (E and μ) and induce thermal stresses, which should be considered separately in the analysis.