Question

A spherical container made of steel has 20 ft outer diameter and wal thickness of 1/2 inch. Knowing the internal pressure is 50 psi, estimate the maximum normal stress and the maximum shearing stress in the container

Answer 1

maximum normal stress = 5975 psi

maximum shear stress = 2987.50 psi

Step-by-step explanation:

Given data

dia = 20 ft

wall thickness = 1/2 inch

internal pressure = 50 psi

To find out

the maximum normal stress and the maximum shearing stress

Solution

By the Mohr's circle we will find out shear stress

first we calculate inner radius

i.e. r = (diameter/2) - t

r = (20 × 12 in )/2 - ( 1/2 )

r = 120 - 0.5 = 119.5 inch

Now we find out maximum normal stress by given formula

normal stress = ( internal pressure× r ) / 2 t

normal stress = ( 50×119.5 ) / 2 × 0.5

maximum normal stress = 5975 psi

and minimum normal stress is 0, due to very small radius

and maximum shear stress will be

shear stress = ( maximum normal stress - minimum normal stress ) / 2

shear stress = ( 5975- 0 ) / 2

maximum shear stress = 2987.50 psi