A pressure vessel of radius 10.4 in is filled with a gas at a pressure of 525.0

Question

A pressure vessel of radius 10.4 in is filled with a gas at a pressure of 525.0 psi (gauge). The top of the vessel is secured by an end cap of radius 21.6 in, of weight 28.0 lbf, and held in place by 14 bolts.

What is the total force exerted upwards on the lid by the gas?

What is the force exerted by the atmosphere downward on the end cap?

What is the net force exerted on each bolt holding the end cap in place?

If the maximum force one bolt can withstand is 32505 lbf, how many bolts can be removed from the pressure vessel at the above conditions before the end cap blows off?

Explanation / Answer

Total force exerted upward = Area x P = Pi x 10.4^2 x 525 lb/in^2 = 178,392 Lb

Force exerted downward by the atmosphere = 0 Lb

Force exerted on each bolt holding the end cap in place = 178,392/14 = 12,742 lb

You need 178,392/32,505 = 5.49 bolts, say 6 bolts are required so you could remove 8 of the14 bolts.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.