Sharif Digital Repository

Governing equilibrium equations of thick-walled spherical vessels made of material following linear strain hardening and subjected to a steady-state radial temperature gradient using elasto-plastic analysis are derived. By considering a maximum plastic radius and using the concept of thermal autofrettage for the strengthening mechanism, the optimum wall thickness of the vessel for a given temperature gradient across the wall thickness is obtained. Finally, in the case of thermal loading on a vessel, the effect of convective heat transfer on the optimum thickness is studied and a general formula for the optimum wall thickness and design graphs for several different cases are presented. © 2008... 

A rigorous two-dimensional model is developed for simulating the operation of a less-investigated type steam reformer having a considerably lower operating Reynolds number, higher tube diameter, and non-availability of extra steam in the feed compared with conventional steam reformers. Simulation results show that reasonable predictions can only be achieved when certain correlations for wall to fluid heat transfer equations are applied. In all cases, strong radial temperature gradients inside the reformer tubes have been found. Furthermore, the results show how a certain catalyst loading profile will affect the operation of the reformer. © 2008 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering