2 - Thin-Walled Cylinders
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Intro to Thin-Walled Cylinders
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Today, we're going to explore thin-walled cylinders. Can anyone tell me what defines a thin-walled cylinder?
I think it has to do with the relationship between the wall thickness and the radius.
Correct! Specifically, when the wall thickness 't' is much less than the internal radius 'r', we consider the cylinder thin-walled. This ratio is crucial for simplifying our stress analysis.
So, what does this simplification allow us to do?
Good question! It allows us to use simplified formulas for calculating hoop and axial stress.
Hoop Stress Calculation
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Let's dive into hoop stress. Can someone give me the formula for hoop stress?
It's Ο_h = pr/t.
Exactly! Remember, 'p' is the internal pressure, 'r' is the internal radius, and 't' is the thickness. This stress acts around the circumference, trying to expand the cylinder.
What happens if the wall thickness is increased?
Great point! If 't' increases, the hoop stress 'Ο_h' decreases, which can enhance the cylinder's structural integrity.
Understanding Axial Stress
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Now, letβs move on to axial or longitudinal stress. Who can remember the formula for axial stress?
I think it's Ο_a = pr/2t.
Exactly! This stress is usually less than hoop stress and acts along the length. Why do you think that is?
Because itβs spread across a larger area?
Very insightful! Yes, the distribution across the cylinderβs length plays a significant role.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section covers the stress analysis of thin-walled cylinders, explaining hoop and axial stresses derived from internal pressure. It emphasizes the importance of these stresses in ensuring the cylinder's structural integrity and introduces key formulas for calculating them.
Detailed
Thin-Walled Cylinders
In the study of pressure vessels, a thin-walled cylinder is a crucial component where the wall thickness is much smaller than the radius (represented as t βͺ r). This simplification allows for easier stress analysis, facilitated through two main types of stresses: hoop (circumferential) stress and axial (longitudinal) stress.
Key Formulas
- Hoop Stress (Ο_h)
- Formula: Ο_h = pr/t
- p: Internal pressure
- r: Internal radius
- t: Wall thickness
- The hoop stress acts perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder and is responsible for the cylinder's tendency to burst under internal pressure.
- Axial Stress (Ο_a)
- Formula: Ο_a = pr/2t
- Similar parameters as above, this stress acts along the length of the cylinder and is generally half the magnitude of hoop stress. Both stresses are uniformly distributed across the wall thickness.
Understanding these stresses is essential for the proper design and safety of pressure vessels, as they directly affect the material selection and structural integrity needed to withstand varying pressure levels.
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Thin-Walled Assumption
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
For cylinders where the wall thickness tβͺrt \ll r (radius), the thin-walled assumption is valid.
Detailed Explanation
The thin-walled assumption is applied to cylinders when their wall thickness is much smaller than their radius. This allows us to simplify the analysis of stresses that occur in the walls of the cylinder. Instead of having to account for variations in stress throughout the thickness of the material, we consider the stresses to be uniform across the wall. This assumption greatly simplifies calculations, making it easier to design and analyze thin-walled structures.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a soda can. The metal wall of the can is much thinner compared to the radius of the can itself. When the can is pressurized, we can assume that the stress on the can's walls is evenly distributed along its surface, allowing for simpler calculations.
Hoop (Circumferential) Stress
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
a. Hoop (Circumferential) Stress:
Οh=prtΟ_h = \frac{p r}{t}
Detailed Explanation
Hoop or circumferential stress in a thin-walled cylinder is the stress acting along the circumference of the cylinder's wall. It is given by the formula ${\sigma_h} = \frac{pr}{t}$, where 'p' is the internal pressure, 'r' is the internal radius, and 't' is the wall thickness. This stress occurs because the internal pressure forces the cylinder's walls outward, attempting to make the cylinder expand in diameter.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine blowing air into a balloon. As you blow, the air pressure inside the balloon increases, causing the rubber to stretch outward. The tension around the balloon's equator (like the hoop stress) is what keeps it inflated.
Axial (Longitudinal) Stress
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
b. Axial (Longitudinal) Stress:
Οa=pr2tΟ_a = \frac{p r}{2t}
Detailed Explanation
Axial or longitudinal stress acts along the length of the cylinder. It is described by the formula ${\sigma_a} = \frac{pr}{2t}$. This type of stress is caused by the internal pressure and tends to make the cylinder elongate. The factor of 2 in the denominator indicates that the axial stress is typically less than the hoop stress when the thin-walled assumption is valid.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a tube of toothpaste. When you squeeze the tube from the sides, it pushes the paste out of the opening at one end. This squeezing action creates a force that tries to stretch the tube in the direction of the paste's exit; that's similar to axial stress.
Stress Distribution
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
These stresses act perpendicular to each other and are uniformly distributed across the wall thickness.
Detailed Explanation
In a thin-walled cylinder, the hoop and axial stresses act perpendicularly to each other. The uniform distribution across the wall thickness means that every layer of the wall experiences the same amount of stress due to the simplifying assumption of thin-walled structures. Because of this uniformity, engineers can predict how the cylinder will behave under pressure more accurately and efficiently.
Examples & Analogies
Think about holding a piece of bread with both hands on its sides and squeezing it. The forces from your hands create tension around the loaf (similar to hoop stress), while also compressing it along its length (akin to axial stress). The bread tends to maintain a consistent texture and support under your hands.
Key Concepts
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Thin-Walled Assumption: It simplifies stress calculations in pressure vessels.
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Hoop Stress: The circumferential stress in the wall of a cylinder.
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Axial Stress: The stress acting along the length of the cylinder.
Examples & Applications
An empty gas cylinder where the wall thickness is 5mm and the radius is 100mm. The internal pressure is 200 bar. The hoop stress can be calculated using Ο_h = (p * r) / t.
A hydraulic tank with a radius of 50cm and a wall thickness of 2cm. The internal pressure is 150 psi. Calculate the axial stress.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Thin walls so round, stress comes from pressure all around.
Stories
Imagine a balloon expanding when filled with air. As it expands, the pressure creates stress on its thin walls just like in a thin-walled cylinder.
Memory Tools
P = R/T symbolizes the pressure needed to gauge the hoop stress; think PRT!
Acronyms
H.A.T β Hoop and Axial Tensions for easy recall of the two major stresses in a thin-walled cylinder.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Hoop Stress
Stress acting circumferentially in a cylinder due to internal pressure.
- Axial Stress
Stress acting along the length of a cylinder due to internal pressure.
- ThinWalled Assumption
The assumption that wall thickness is much smaller than the radius of the cylinder, simplifying stress analysis.
Reference links
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