Finite element heat transfer and structural analysis of a eone-eylinder pressure vessel

Stress analysis of a cone-cylinder pressure vessel was computationaIly simulated by a finite element method and probabilisticaIly evaluated in view of several uncertainties in the performance parameters. Cumulative distribution functions and sensitivity factors were computed for overaIl heat transfer rate due to the structuraI and thermodynamic random variabIes. These results can be used to quickly identify the most critical design variabIes in order to optimize the design and make it cost effective. The analysis leads to the selection of the appropriate measurements to be used in structural and heat transfer analysis and to the identification of both the most criticaI measurements and parameters.