Optimization of location and size of opening in a pressure vessel cylinder using ANSYS

Abstract The main objective the research work is to optimize the location and size of opening (hole) in a pressure vessel cylinder using ANSYS. Analysis is performed for three thick-walled cylinders with internal diameters 20, 25 and 30 cm having 30 cm height and wall thickness of 20 mm. It is observed that as the internal diameter of cylinder increases the Von Misses stress increases. Optimization of hole size is carried out by making holes having diameter of 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 20 mm located at center in each of the three cylinders, and it is observed that initially Von Misses stress decreases and then become constant with hole size. The optimum size of hole is found to be 8 mm for cylinder having internal diameter of 20 cm whereas a hole of size 10 mm for cylinder having internal diameter of 25 cm and 30 cm on the basis of lowest Von Mises stress value. Lastly, optimization of location of hole is carried out by making a 12 mm hole located at 1/16, 1/8, 2/8, 3/8 and 4/8 of cylinder height from top in all the three cylinders. The Von Misses stress is maximum at the center i.e., 4/8 location and decreases in the direction away from center and then stress increases as the location is changed from 1/8 to 1/16 from cylinder top due to the end effects. The optimum location of the hole is found to be at 1/8 of cylinder height.