Stress analysis and applicability analysis of the elliptical head

As the main pressure components of pressure vessels, the mechanical performance of cylinders and heads affects the normal operation of pressure vessels. At present, no unified theoretical formula exists for the connection region between an elliptical head and the cylinder. Therefore, the authors consider the standard elliptical head as the research object. First, the theoretical stress calculation formula is deduced according to the deformation continuity equation. Second, the stress is experimentally measured using an internal-pressure thin-walled-vessel stress measurement device, and the theoretical and experimental stress values in the discontinuous region between the elliptical head and cylinder are analysed and compared to verify the accuracy and applicability of the theoretical stress calculation formula. The results show that the theoretical stress calculation formula in the discontinuous region between the elliptical head and cylinder is valid. By comparing and analysing the theoretical and experimental stress values, the accuracy and applicability of the theoretical stress calculation formula in the discontinuous region are verified. The findings can provide guidance for the stress measurement of internal-pressure vessels.