AP.

CAE3 SCUBA TANK

BY ROSHAN MORE
The scuba tank is analyzed as pure 2D axisymmetric model. Results are compared with 3D
model results given in the base text.

CONTENTS
Geometry .................................................................................................................................................. 3
fe model .................................................................................................................................................... 3
boundary conditions .................................................................................................................................. 4
loads ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
material properties .................................................................................................................................... 5
results ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 8

GEOMETRY

The surface is split in order to use Isomesh. Surface regions must have three or four sides to mesh it
using Isomesh.

FE MODEL

Global element size=0.2

No. of nodes=4213
No. of elements=1897
The model is meshed with triangular elements with tria6 topology.3 node tria element has one midside
node on each side, making it quadratic element.
Number of nodes per element=6
Order=quadratic

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Axisymmetric constraints
Axial constraint Tz

Constrained Ty, Rx, Ry, Rz

LOADS

Edge pressure of 3000psi is applied as shown above.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES
The tank is made from 17-4 PH stainless steel forging, heat treated to the H1025 condition.
E = 28.5 x 106 psi
Poissons ratio = 0.27
Ultimate strength = 155 ksi
Yield strength = 145 ksi

RESULTS

Displacement 0.00661in

X-directional displacement 0.00204in

von Mises stress (averaged)

Max von Mises stress=28800psi

von Mises stress (Un-averaged)

Max von Mises stress = 28900psi

The averaged and un-averaged fringes are relatively smooth, which implies that the mesh quality is
adequate for this analysis, but more accuracy can be achieved with fine mesh.

von Mises stress (Difference)

Max stress difference at the critical is near zero, except at few nodes. We can obtain more accuracy
with the use of fine mesh near critical weld area.

CONCLUSION
The results obtained in 2D axisymmetric analysis are compared with 3D analysis given at base text
(S5-73 to S5-78)
Analysis
2D
3D (base text)
deviation

Max displacement
[in]
0.00661
0.007
0.00039(5.57%)

Max vM
stress(averaged) [psi]
28800
29500
700(2.37%)

Max vM stress(Un-averaged)
[psi]
28900
30300(S5-76)
1400(4.62%)

The von Mises stress is 28800psi at the base of the tank near fillet.
There are 6 elements across the thickness in this critical area.
Averaged and un-averaged stress fringes are in good agreement
More accurate results can be obtained if fine mesh is used, but the educational license solves
only 5000 nodes.
The stress difference plot shows max stress jump of 3240psi hence, the mesh refinement is
necessary in 3D model of base text.