Round robin calculations of collapse loads for a pressure vessel were made by 16 teams in Japan. The model is composed of a cylinder and a torispherical head with a conical transition. The structure is an example in which the stress classifications specified in the ASME Code are not strictly applicable. The calculations were performed to clarify the issue of the evaluation procedure using the limit analysis method specified in the ASME Code, Sect. III, and to check the sensitivity of calculation models and programs. It is found that the stress in the knuckle region has certain characteristics of secondary stress, yet still dominates the collapse of the vessel. Using the limit analysis to prove the validity of stress classifications is recommended. The sensitivity of the calculation methods is not so significant. Therefore, it is concluded that the limit analysis can be used as a standard procedure in regulations.
Relation of Limit Equilibrium Method to Limit Analysis Method