STRESS & FATIGUE
Estimate cylinder hoop and longitudinal membrane stress and check the thin-wall radius-to-thickness ratio.
Values are calculated locally in your browser.
Theoretical result · verify applicability below
Schematic illustration · not to scale
Internal gauge pressure stretches a closed cylinder around its circumference and along its axis. Away from ends and discontinuities, hoop stress is twice the longitudinal stress. This tool uses the internal radius and neglects radial stress.
For p = 1 MPa, internal radius r = 100 mm and t = 5 mm: hoop stress = 20 MPa, longitudinal stress = 10 MPa and r/t = 20, satisfying the selected thin-wall geometry criterion.
The initial inputs reproduce this example. Material values are illustrative inputs, not a material database or certified design values.
Closed-end cylindrical vessel with uniform wall, internal gauge pressure and r/t ≥ 10. This is an approximate membrane model, not a pressure-vessel design code check. Nozzles, weld efficiency, corrosion allowance, end-cap bending, fatigue, external pressure and allowable stress are excluded.
No factor of safety or design-code allowance is applied unless explicitly stated. Read the engineering disclaimer before applying these results.
Confirm the load direction and units first. Check the schematic against your actual supports and geometry, then compare the worked example with your own independent calculation. A valid numerical result does not establish that the model is appropriate for a real component.
For background, consult the Air Force Stress Analysis Manual’s column analysis and MIT’s Mechanics of Materials learning modules. Use applicable design standards and certified material data for real designs.