The textbook presents a classical discontinuity analysis complete with a computer program suitable for running in an IBM PC compatible.

A general method of analysing multishell axisymmetric junctions is given together with the stiffness coefficients for several common types of component used to form axisymmetric junctions including: Cylinders, Cones, Spherical Shells, Flat Plates and Compact Rings.

The stress analysis of each component is discussed and the means to calculate the discontinuity stresses and deformations by use of the computer program is fully explained.

A feature of the program is its ability to present the results in graphical form. The program will calculate the stresses and deformations both at and away from the junction, as well as analysing single components. It is possible to analyse components under a combination of loads including: Pressure, Temperature, Applied External Forces and Moments and Centrifugal Loading.

The book illustrates the use of the program through examples and highlights many aspects of stress analysis likely to be encountered in solving practical problems. Examples are given of: Vessel ends, Nozzles, Supports and attachments, Stiffeners, Bolted Flanges, Heat Exchanger Tubesheets, etc. An example of "Design by Analysis" and the assessment procedure of BS5500 pressure vessel code is given.

Book contents include:

Preface, notation
1.0 Introduction, Structural Discontinuities

What are structural discontinuities?
Why are structural discontinuities important?
What stress terminology is used?
Membrane and discontinuity regions.

2.0 Method of Analysis. What components can be analysed?

The junction analysis. Sign convention, displacement equations, loading equations,
rigid offsets, worked example.
The stiffness coefficients. Cylinder, Spherical shell, Cone, Flat Plate, Compact Ring.

3.0 The Computer Program.
Program organisation, limitations, defaults, pressure end load, external loads, thermal end moment.
Input data instructions. Title data, units data, geometry data, material data, loading data, external loads, free displacements, stiffness coefficients.
Output results. Graphical options.
Program examples. Eighteen examples including: Thin domes, stiffened shells, vessel end closures, shell junctions, nozzles, tubesheets, flanges, support skirts, thermal sleeves, spinning disks, thick cylinders, water tanks, etc.
4.0 Assessment of Stresses.
Stress categories, stress components, stress intensity, primary, secondary, and peak stresses.
Stress limits.
Assessment example. Design condition, operating condition and fatigue assessment.
References
Appendix 1 Fatigue assessment
Appendix 2 Strain energy considerations
Appendix 3 List of program input error traps
Appendix 4 Program verification
Appendix 5 Conical shell notation
Index

NOTE: Since the book was written (1994) changes to the pressure vessel codes will have taken place. Always refer to the latest editions of the codes when doing any assessment.