Membrane and Bending Stresses in Pressurized Elliptical Cylinders: Analytical Solutions and Finite Element Models.

This report addresses the analysis of stresses in a thin walled elliptical cylinder using both classical membrane theory, bending theory, and Finite Element Analysis. Numerous analytical solutions from six authors are presented and examined to determine the hoop stresses, bending stresses, and total stresses that arise when elliptical cargo tanks are subjected to uniform internal pressure. Two Finite Element Models were created and evaluated using quadratic beam and shell elements. All resulting stresses are analyzed and compared for accuracy. The final product is an analytical solution procedure that can be used by practicing engineers for elliptical cargo tank design.