Calculate the stresses in a thin-walled cylindrical pressure vessel.
Vessel Parameters
Pa
m
m
Calculated Stresses
Enter parameters to calculate vessel stresses
About this calculator
Quick Reference
σhHoop stress (tangential)
σlLongitudinal stress (axial)
PInternal Pressure
DInside Diameter
tWall Thickness
Overview
In a thin-walled cylinder subjected to internal pressure, the material experiences two primary stresses: hoop stress (acting tangentially) and longitudinal stress (acting along the axis).
💡
Pro Tips
The 'thin-wall' assumption is valid when the diameter is at least 10-20 times the wall thickness.
Hoop stress is always twice the longitudinal stress in a cylinder.
Units must be consistent (e.g., Pressure in Pa, D and t in meters result in Pa).
These stresses are critical for designing tanks, pipes, and boilers.
!
Fun Facts
"If a hot dog bursts during cooking, it almost always splits longitudinally because the hoop stress is twice as high as the longitudinal stress."
"The same principle explains why soda cans have a specific wall thickness to withstand carbonation pressure."
"Solid rocket boosters are prime examples of pressure vessels where these calculations are mission-critical."
