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Elastic-Plastic Thermal Stress Analysis of a High-Pressure Cryogenic Storage TankThe thermal stresses on a cryogenic storage tank contribute strongly to the state of stress of the tank material and its ability to withstand operational stresses. These thermal stresses also affect the growth of any surface damage that might occur in the tank walls. These stresses are particularly of concern during the initial cooldown period for a new tank placed into service, and during any subsequent thermal cycles. A previous preliminary elastic analysis showed that the thermal stress on the inner wall would reach approximately 1,000MPa (145,000 psi). This stress far exceeds the ASTM specified room temperature values for both yield (170MPa) and ultimate (485 MPa) strength for 304L stainless steel. The present analysis determines the thermal stresses using an elastic-plastic model. The commercial software application ANSYS was used to determine the transient spatial temperature profile and the associated spatial thermal stress profiles in a segment of a thick-walled vessel during a typical cooldown process. A strictly elastic analysis using standard material properties for 304L stainless steel showed that the maximum thermal stress on the inner and outer walls was approximately 960 MPa (tensile) and - 270 MPa (compressive) respectively. These values occurred early in the cooldown process, but at different times, An elastic-plastic analysis showed significantly reducing stress, as expected due to the plastic deformation of the material. The maximum stress for the inner wall was approximately 225 MPa (tensile), while the maximum stress for the outer wall was approximately - 130 MPa (compressive).
Document ID
20040070764
Acquisition Source
Stennis Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Barker, J. Mark
(Louisiana Tech Univ. Ruston, LA, United States)
Field, Robert E.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 2003
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
EB-2003-08-00005-SSC
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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