International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 05 Issue: 02 | Feb-2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Finite Element Analysis of Support Designs for Road Tankers

Mr.Rohan Balasaheb Patil 1 , Prof.Dr.V.V.Kulkarni 2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, KIT’s college of Engineering Kolhapur
2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sanjay Ghodawat Institute ,Atigre
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Abstract - A pressure vessel is a closed container designed use of steel with a high impact resistance, especially for vessels
to hold gases or liquids under internal or external used in low temperatures. In applications where
pressure
.Pressure vessels are designed to operate safely at a specific
pressure and temperature. A saddle support is used to
support the horizontal pressure vessels and are welded or
permanently fixed to the pressure vessel using U clamp.
Generally horizontal pressure vessels supported on saddle
supports are designed by zicks formula but in this method
there are certain assumptions. This method is not applicable
for different loading conditions. The stresses and stress
concentration in vessel due to saddle support are difficult to
calculate by traditional theories There are different types of
saddle support used for horizontal pressure vessel for
different capacity ranging from 2,500 litre to 25,000 litre.
The main purpose of this work is to perform stress analysis
of different parts of saddle support by using finite element
analysis software ANSYS 16.

Key Words: Stress, Deflection,Saddle Support,ANSYS

1. INTRODUCTION

Pressure Vessel, is a container designed to hold gas or

liquid at a substantially high pressure that is usually
different from the ambient pressure. Pressure vessels are
dangerous, and fatal accidents have occurred in the
history of the development and operation and of pressure
vessels. Consequently, pressure vessel design,
manufacture, and operation are regulated by engineering
authorities backed by legislation. For these reasons, the
definition of a pressure vessel varies from country to
country. Design involves parameters such as maximum
safe operating pressure and temperature, safety factor,
corrosion allowance and minimum design temperature
(for brittle fracture). Construction is tested using non-
destructive testing, such as ultrasonic testing, radiography,
and pressure tests. Hydrostatic tests use water, but
pneumatic tests use air or another gas. Hydrostatic testing
is preferred, because it is a safer method, as much less
energy is released if a fracture occurs during the test
(water does not rapidly increase its volume when rapid
depressurization occurs, unlike gases like air, which fail
explosively). Many pressure vessels are made of steel. To
manufacture a cylindrical or spherical pressure vessel,
rolled and possibly forged parts would have to be welded
together. Some mechanical properties of steel, achieved by
rolling or forging, could be adversely affected by welding,
unless special precautions are taken. In addition to
adequate mechanical strength, current standards dictate the

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carbon steel would suffer corrosion, special corrosion

resistant material should also be used.. A saddle
support is used to support the horizontal pressure
vessels and are welded or permanently fixed to the
pressure vessel using U clamp. The appropriate
location of saddle support is most important form the
view point of stresses developed in pressure vessel. If
the location of saddle support is not correct it will
result in higher stresses at pressure vessel junction
and will lead to failure of pressure vessel. Therefore, the
design of saddle support and determining the
stresses developed in saddle and part of pressure
vessel is an important step during design of a
horizontal pressure vessel. The forces acting on saddle
support due to weight of horizontal pressure vessel
and internal pressure, causes stresses in the saddle
supports.

2. LITERATURE SURVEY

L.P.Zick (1951) presented a study on design of

horizontal cylindrical vessels with dished heads to
resist internal pressure by existing codes. The
purpose of this paper is to indicate the approximate
stresses that exist in cylindrical vessel supported on
two saddles at various locations. By knowing these
stresses, it is possible to determine which vessel may
be designed for internal pressure alone, and to design
structurally adequate and economical stiffing for the
vessels which require it. Formulas are developed to
cover various conditions, and a chart is developed
which covers support designs for pressure vessels
made of mild steel for storage of liquid. An attempt
has been to produce an approximate analysis
involving certain empirical assumptions which makes
the theoretical analysis closely approximate the test
results

Vlastimil Krupka (1991) presented work on more

advanced solution of the limit state of horizontal
vessel (in the region of the saddle supports),which
shows the true picture of the real load carrying
capacity but, at the same time provide a simpler and
easier solution useful in design practice. Its help in the
application of the design of vessels (which are full of
liquid) under cyclic load or, if need be, to check a
buckling stability and even in the possibility of its
application form the point of view of a more
advanced concept of design, respecting shake-down
effect and categorization of stresses according to
ASME code, Sections III and VIII, Division 2.

L.Yang,C.Weinberger & Y.T.Shah(1994) presented a

study on finite element analysis to predict the stress
distribution within a water filled horizontal vessel
with hemispherical ends and two or three saddle
supports. Computations where

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performed for various values of design parameters. The wall method for determining stresses in different parts of pressure
thickness was varied from 0.5 to 70 mm; the vessel length vessel and saddle support. He used the quarter of the
from 10 to 30m; and the vessel radius from 0.5 to pressure
2.0m.The effects of the pressure and a third saddle
support where investigated and the maximum tensile and
shear stresses are compared with the prediction of zick’s
analysis. The objective of the paper was to compute the
stress distribution within the vessel wall as a function of
pressure and the geometric variables of the vessel shape,
wall thickness and saddle location. A finite element analysis
technique was used to determine the stresses within the
vessel walls and the results where compared with
experimental results obtained.

Shen Naijie (1995) investigated the stresses in saddle

supports of pressure vessels and piping by experimental and
theoretical analysis. Electric strain gauge measurement
and a double Fourier series expansion method is used to
analysis the model. To determine the contact pressure
distribution pattern between saddle and model a trial and
error and method is used. W. M Banks, D. H. Nash, A E
Flaherty, W C Fok, A S Tooth (2000) presented a study on
maximum strain on glass reinforced plastic (GRP) vessel,
used for unpressurised liquid storage and supported on
rigid saddle support, occurs in the immediate region of the
saddle horn on the outside surface. Fourier series solution
have been used to conduct the parametric study and to
provide the results for the maximum strain in ‘closed
form’, an equation fitting technique has been used.

N.EL-Abbasi (2001) presented the three-dimensional

finite element analysis of a pressure vessel resting on
flexible saddle support. It was carried out using a newly
developed thick shell element and accounts for frictional
contact between pressure vessel and saddle support. The
seven parameter shell element used is capable of
evaluating the variation of the stresses and the strain field
through its thickness. The technique used was variational
inequalities based formulation for the accurate description
of class of frictionless contact problems .The effect of
saddle radius, saddle width, plate extension and support
overhang on the resulting stress field in both vessel and
support are evaluated.

K.Magnucki, P.Stasiewicz, W.Szyc (2003) presented on

supporting saddle of a horizontal cylindrical pressure
vessel filled with liquid. The parametric model of the
saddle support was developed and the effect of
geometrical parameter on the stress values arising in a
structure was examined by means of finite element
analysis method. The shape and location of the saddle,
which gives minimum stress concentration, has been
determined. Results of Numerical analyses allow the
effective proportion of the geometrical parameters of the
vessel.

Shafique M.A.Khan (2010) presented the analysis results

of stress distribution in horizontal pressure vessel and
saddle supports. He used 3D finite element analysis

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vessel model with details of saddle supports. It

provides the detail of stress distribution in pressure
vessel and parts of saddle supports. He studied the
effect of changing load and various geometric
parameters and recommended the optimal values of
ratio of the distance of support from the end of the
vessel to the length of vessel and ratio of length of
vessel to the radius of the vessel for minimum
stresses in both pressure vessel and saddle support.
He concluded that the highly stressed area beside the
pressure vessel and saddle horn is the flange plate.

3. PROPOSED SYSTEM

3.1 Collection of different design of road

tankers supports

The different design collections of conventional

road water tankers and their CAD modeling of the same

Desi
gn:
1

Fig.3.1- Leg Support

Fig.3.2-3D Model of Design 1

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Fig.3.1: Shows Design collection of road tanker with leg

supports that are placed at a specific distance of the
vehicle chassis frame and Fig No-3.2 shows the 3D model
of the Design 1, Design: 2

Fig.3.6- 3D Model of Design 3

Fig.3.5: Shows Design collection of road tanker with

Fig.3.3-Continuous Supports
supports like milk tankers that are placed at a specific
distance of the vehicle chassis frame and Fig.3.6 shows the
3D model of the Design 3

Design: 4.

Fig.3.4- 3D Model of Design 2

Fig.3.3: Shows Design collection of road tanker with

Continuous supports that are placed at a specific distance
of the vehicle chassis frame and Fig.3.4 shows the 3D
model of the Design 2, Design: 3
Fig.3.7- Supports for milk tankers along the length

Fig.3.5-Supports for milk tankers which are placed at

specific distances Fig.3.8- 3D Model of Design 4

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Fig.3.7: Shows Design collection of road tanker with Fig.3.11: Mesh Model of Pressure Vessel Design 3
supports like milk tankers that are placed along the length of
the vehicle chassis frame and Fig.3.8 shows the 3D model
of the Design 4

FEA mesh model's

The following Fig.3.9 to Fig.3.12 shows various design

collection of road tankers i.e. Design 1 to Design 4 model
meshing,

Fig.3.9: Mesh Model of Pressure Vessel of design 1

Fig.3.10: Mesh Model of Pressure Vessel design

2

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We have checked the result of designs collected of tanker

1 to tanker 4 their FEA results with von-miss stress
and

Fig.3.12: Mesh Model of Pressure Vessel of

design 4

Boundary condition

Boundary Conditions: Internal pressure is applied red

color indicates that internal pressure is been applied to
the vessel and base plate of saddle supports is fixed in
all directions.

1: Force

Tanker Capacity = 2500 Litre

Density of Water1000 Kg / m3 or 1.00 Kg / L

Density = =

1.000 =
Kg = 2500
Force in N = Kg x Gravitational Acceleration
= 2500 x 9.81
Force = 24525 N

2. Pressure

Water Tanker work at atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric Pressure = 1 bar
Pressure Value required for Analysis in ANSYS Software
in MPA
1 bar =0.1 MPa

Element type

The elements used for the meshing of the full and

ventilated disc are tetrahedral three-dimensional
elements with 10 nodes (solid187) the meshing was
refined in the contact zone (saddle support). This is
important because in this zone, the total load acting on
support and it varies significantly. Indeed, in this
strongly deformed zone. That is why the correct taking
into account of the contact conditions involves the use
of a refined mesh

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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deflection in the pressure vessel. The details is shown in the

figures from Fig 4.1 to Fig 4.12

Fig.4.4 Static Structural Analysis of design 2 Model Color

Code shows Von-misses stresses over Pressure vessel
body and Supports

Fig.4.1- Static Structural Analysis of Design 1 Model Color Saddle support used for Model 2 is a continues member
Code shows Von-misses stresses over Pressure vessel and most of the pressure vessel surface is supported by
body and Supports saddles. But material requirement for this type of support
is more than model 1 support. According FEA Analysis
result both conditions are safe, but model 2 saddle supports
is heavy and costly.

Fig.4.2 –Shows the deflection in body of design 1 Fig.4.5 shows the deflection in body of design 2 pressure
pressure vessel vessel

Fig.4.3Shows the deflection in support design of design 1

Fig.4.6 shows the deflection in saddle support of design
pressure vessel
2 pressure vessel

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Fig..4.7 Static Structural Analysis of design 3 Model Color

Code shows Von-misses stresses over Pressure vessel Fig.4.10 Static Structural Analysis of design 4 Color Code
body and Supports shows Von-misses stresses over Pressure vessel body and
Supports

Fig.4.8–Shows the deflection in body of design 3 pressure Fig.4.11 shows the deflection in body of design 4
vessel. pressure vessel

Fig .4.9 Shows the deflection in saddle support of design

Fig.4.12 shows the deflection in saddle support of design
3 pressure Vessel.
4 Pressure vessel

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Saddle support of Model 3 and Model 4 is little bit

5. CONCLUSION
similar. In Model 3 saddle support is placed at fixed
distance and both side of pressure vessel. In model 4
According to the FEA results of design 1, 2, 3 and 4 it is
saddle support is placed continuously both side of
concluded that the stress value over all saddle support is
pressure vessel. According to FEA result Von-misses
under the yield limit, so every design model of saddle
stress distribution is 100% same over the pressure
supports will sustain the pressure vessel load but cost of
vessel body and 80% similar saddle support, but both
material for the saddle support is most important and
supports are safe and capable taking a load.
these saddle support material also increase load over the
vehicle.
Table.5.1 The limiting stress and deflection in FEA
analysis of design 1 to design 4 1. Shape of design 1 and design 2 is similar and both
are under the stress limit but difference is that
Model Type Limiting Stress in Mpa Deflection in mm design 2 is continuous member so more material is
Design 1 56.722 0.03750 required for design 2 and its weight is
approximately 19 % more than design 1. So here it
Design 2 30.005 0.03957
is suggested that design 1 is better that design 2
Design 3 73.265 0.06852 according to material cost and weight.
Design 4 82.281 0.16811
2. Shape of design 3 and design 4 is similar and both
Table 5.2 Total material cost of saddle support for are under the stress limit but difference is that
different designs design 4 is continuous member along the pressure
vessel length so more material is required for
design 4 and its weight is approximately double
Model Type Weight Cost per Kg Weight Total Cost
in Rs times more than design 3 (93 % More). So here it is
suggested that design 3 is better that design 4
Design 1 71.609 Kg Rs. 85 6086.765
according to material cost and weight.
Design 2 85.249 Kg Rs. 85 7246.165
Design 3 48.355 Kg Rs. 85 4110.175 3. According to the Table 5.1 all the stress value over
Design 4 93.549 Kg Rs. 85 7951.665 the saddle support is under the yield limit so design
is safe
,also the deflection values varies from 0.03 mm to 0.16
From the Table 5.1 and 5.2 a graph of limiting stress and
mm.(not considerable because it can’t affect over
total cost versus designs cases is plotted and is shown in
the saddle support design).
Fig.4.13
4. According to the Table 5.2 and Fig. 4.13 it is concluded
that materials required for design 3 is less than
other designs and approximate cost required for that
design is less from material requirement. (Design 3
Material Cost Approx. Rs. 4110/-)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to thank the researchers as well as

publishers for making their resources available and
teachers for their guidance. We are also thankful to
reviewer for their valuable suggestions. We also thank the
college authorities for providing the required
infrastructure and support. Finally, we would like to
extend a heartfelt gratitude to friends and family
Fig.4.13 .Limiting Stress and Total Cost versus Designs members.
From the graph of Limiting Stress and Cost v/s design
REFERENCES
cases, it is seen that the cost of material of design case 3 is
less as compared to design cases 1, 2 and 4 but the stress
[1] Lin Seng Ong., 1988.Analysis of twin saddle
value for Design 3 is more but it is still below the yield
supported vessel subjected to non-symmetric
limit, so as per the material cost point of view the cost of
loadings. International Journal of Pressure Vessels
the saddles in design case 3 is suitable for tanker
and Piping, 35 , pp. 423-437
applications.

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 05 Issue: 02 | Feb-2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

[2] Krupka, V., 1991. The background to a new

design proposal for saddle supported vessels.
International

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 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 05 Issue: 02 | Feb-2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping, 46, pp. 51-

65.

[3] Lin Seng Ong., 1991.Parametric study of peak

circumferential stress at the saddle support.
International Journal of Pressure Vessels and
Piping, 48, pp. 183-207.

[4] L.S.Ong & G.Lu.,1993.Optimal support radius of

loose-fitting saddle support. International Journal of
Pressure Vessels and Piping, 54, pp. 465-479.

[5] L.Yang, C.Weinberger and Y.T.Shah, 1994.Finite

element analysis on horizontal vessels with
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[6] Shen Naijie, 1995.Stress state in the saddle zone of

pressure vessels and piping. International Journal of
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[7] W. M Banks, D. H. Nash, A E Flaherty, W C Fok, A S

Tooth, 2000.A simplified design approach to
determine the maximum strains in a GRP vessel
supported on twin saddles. International Journal
of Pressure Vessels and Piping, 77,pp.837-842

[8] N.El-Abbasi ,S.A.Meguid, A.Czekanski, 2001.Three-

dimensional finite element analysis of saddle
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[9] K.Magnucki, P.Stasiewicz, W.Szyc, 2003.Flexible

saddle support of a horizontal cylindrical
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[10] David H Nash and Alwyn S Tooth, The influence of

the flexibility of the dished end on twin saddle
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