Compressive strength of partially stiffened cylinders at elevated temperatures

Overview & Synopsis

This work presents the finite element analysis of partially stiffened cylinders subjected to axial compression at elevated temperatures. The compressive strength is calculated for self-weight conditions and the influence of the temperature on the material response is also investigated. In the oil industry, pressure vessels are commonly used operating at complex design conditions such as high-pressure profiles and/or elevated temperature gradients which affect considerably the structural response of inner components. Among them, risers become sensitive steel elements withstanding heavy compressive loading due to self-weight, as well as, insulation elements added to protect them from the elevated temperature gradient. Most risers structurally fail at the bottom end due to buckling caused by self-weight and temperature effects. To remediate this situation and to guarantee the integrity of the riser, longitudinal stiffeners are welded at the bottom end. Hence, a proper determination of the compressive strength of the cylinder, taking into account the influence of the longitudinal stiffening and the corresponding temperature, is required. Results indicate that the use of longitudinal stiffeners in deformed cylinders increases the strength to buckling in percentages that vary according to the cross-section of the profiles.