Progressive damage and fracture of large shell structures is investigated. A computer model is used for the assessment of structural response, progressive fracture resistance, and defect/damage tolerance characteristics. Critical locations of a stiffened conical shell segment are identified. Defective and defect-free computer models are simulated to evaluate structural damage/defect tolerance. Safe pressurization levels are assessed for the retention of structural integrity at the presence of damage/defects. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to fracture are included in the simulations. Damage propagation and burst pressures for defective and defect-free shells are compared to evaluate damage tolerance. Design implications with regard to defect and damage tolerance of a large steel pressure vessel are examined.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Damage, Shells, Fracture (Materials), Fracture (Process), Computers, Design, Pressure vessels, Simulation, Steel
1.
Minnetyan
L.
,
Murthy
P. L. N.
, and
Chamis
C. C.
,
1990
, “
Composite Structure Global Fracture Toughness via Computational Simulation
,”
Computers & Structures
, Vol.
37
, No.
2
, pp.
175
–
180
.
2.
Minnetyan, L., and Chamis, C. C., 1995, “Pressure Vessel Fracture Simulation,” presented at the ASTM 25th National Symposium on Fracture Mechanics, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, June 28–July 1, 1993, ASTM STP 1220, Fracture Mechanics: 25th Volume, Aug., pp. 671–684.
3.
Megyesy, E. F., 1973, Pressure Vessel Handbook, 6th Edition, p. 146.
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