The University of Zambia

School of Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
MEC 3352 – STRENGTH OF MATERIALS II

Thick Circular Cylinders

Kalupa C S 2019
Thin shell theory
• Satisfactory when the ratio of the shell thickness to shell radius is less than 1/30.
• Assumes that the circumferential (hoop stress) and longitudinal stress are
constant over the thickness; radial stress is negligible.
• When the thickness: radius ratio is greater than this 1/30, errors start to occur
and thick shell theory should be used.

Thick shell theory

• When the thickness to shell radius is greater than 1/30, we have a thick cylinder
• The hoop stress in thick cylinders vary over the thickness
• Thick shells appear in the form of gun barrels, nuclear reactor pressure vessels,
and deep diving submersibles
Stress and Strain in Thick Circular Cylinders
We assume all the stresses and strains are tensile and positive. At any radius, r :
𝜎𝜃 = ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜎𝑐
𝜎𝑟 = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝜎𝑧 = 𝐿𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜎𝑎
𝜀𝜃 = ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝜀𝑐
𝜀𝑟 = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 Fig.4.0: Thick Cylinder

𝜀𝑧 = 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝜀𝑎

𝑤 = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Stress and Strain in Thick Circular Cylinders
Longitudinal Stress 𝜎𝑎
Consider a cross-section of a thick cylinder with closed ends subjected to an internal pressure Pi
and an external pressure P0.
For horizontal equilibrium:

𝑃1 ∗ 𝜋𝑅12 − 𝑃2 ∗ 𝜋𝑅22 = 𝜎𝑧 ∗ 𝜋(𝑅22 − 𝑅12 )

𝑃1 𝑟12 − 𝑃2 𝑟22
𝜎𝑎 = 4.0
𝑟22 − 𝑟12

We see that the longitudinal stress set up in the

cylinder walls is constant for the given internal and
external pressures
Fig. 4.1: Cylinder longitudinal section
Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
From Figure 4.2, it can be seen that at any radius r,
2𝜋 𝑟 + 𝑤 − 2𝜋𝑟
𝜀𝜃 =
2𝜋𝑟
𝑤
𝜀𝜃 = 4.1
𝑟
Similarly,
𝛿𝑤 𝑑𝑤
𝜀𝑟 = = 4.2
𝛿𝑟 𝑑𝑟
From the standard stress-strain relationships Fig.4.2: Thick Cylinder Deformation at any radius r

𝐸𝜀𝑎 = 𝜎𝑎 − 𝜈(𝜎𝑐 + 𝜎𝑟 ) = a constant

𝑤
𝐸𝜀𝑐 = 𝐸 = 𝜎𝑐 − 𝜈(𝜎𝑎 + 𝜎𝑟 ) 4.3
𝑟
𝑑𝑤
𝐸𝜀𝑟 = 𝐸 = 𝜎𝑟 − 𝜈(𝜎𝑐 + 𝜎𝑎 ) 4.4
𝑑𝑟
Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
Multiplying equation (4.3) by r,
𝐸𝑤 = 𝜎𝜃 ∗ 𝑟 − 𝜈𝜎𝑧 ∗ 𝑟 − 𝜎𝑟 ∗ 𝑟 4.5
Differentiating equation (4.5) with respect to r, we get

𝑑𝑤 𝑑𝜎𝜃 𝑑𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝜎𝑟

𝐸 = 𝜎𝜃 −𝜈𝜎𝑧 − 𝜈𝜎𝑟 + 𝑟 −𝜈 −𝜈 4.6
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Subtracting equation (4.4) from equation (4.6),
𝑑𝜎𝜃 𝑑𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝜎𝑟
𝜎𝜃 − 𝜎𝑟 1 + 𝜈 + 𝑟 − 𝜈𝑟 − 𝜈𝑟 =0 4.7
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
As 𝜀𝑧 , is constant

𝜎𝑧 −𝜈𝜎𝜃 − 𝜈𝜎𝑟 = constant 4.8

Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
Differentiating equation (4.8)with respect to r,
𝑑𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝜎𝜃 𝑑𝜎𝑟
−𝜈 −𝜈 =0
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝜎𝜃 𝑑𝜎𝑟
=𝜈 + 4.9
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Substituting equation (4.9) into equation (4.7),
𝑑𝜎𝜃 𝑑𝜎𝑟
𝜎𝜃 − 𝜎𝑟 1 + 𝜈 + 𝑟 1 − 𝜈2 − 𝜈𝑟 1 + 𝜈 =0 4.10
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Dividing equation (4.10) by (1 + 𝑣), we get
𝑑𝜎𝜃 𝑑𝜎𝑟
𝜎𝜃 − 𝜎𝑟 + 𝑟 1 + 𝜈 − 𝜈𝑟 =0 4.11
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
Consider the radial equilibrium of the shell element, shown in Figure 4.3,
𝑑𝜃
𝜎𝑟 + 𝑑𝜎𝑟 . 𝑟 + 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝜃. 𝑑𝑙 − 𝜎𝑟 . 𝑟𝑑𝜃. 𝑑𝑙 = 2𝜎𝜃 . 𝑑𝑟 . 𝑑𝑙. sin 4.12
2
𝑑𝜃 𝜃
For small angles 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ≅ 𝑟𝑎𝑑
2 2

Neglecting higher order terms in 4.12 above, we get

𝑑𝜎𝑟
𝑟 + 𝜎𝑟 − 𝜎𝜃 = 0 4.13
𝑑𝑟
We know that
𝐸𝜀𝑎 = 𝜎𝑎 − 𝜈(𝜎𝑐 + 𝜎𝑟 ) = a constant

𝜎𝑎 − 𝐸𝜀𝑎
𝜎𝑟 + 𝜎𝑐 = = 2𝐶1 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 4.14
𝜈 Fig. 4.3 : Shell element
Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
• The longitudinal stress and strain are constant
• This means plane transverse section remain plane before and after loading.
• So far as the axial stress 𝜎𝑎 is concerned, two cases are of interest in a wide variety
of design applications.
i) Axial load induced by pressure not carried by the walls of the cylinders (σa =
0), such as in gun barrels and hydraulic cylinders.
ii) Walls of the cylinder carry the loads for example, pressure vessels with
closed ends.
• Regions of the cylinders away from the ends, axial stress are uniformly distributed.
Hence εa, σa, E, and 𝜈 are constant, thus
𝜎𝑎 − 𝐸𝜀𝑎
𝜎𝑟 + 𝜎𝑐 = = 2𝐶1 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝜈
Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
From equation (4.14), we get
𝜎𝑐 + 𝜎𝑟 = 2𝐶1 ⇒ 𝜎𝑐 = 2𝐶1 − 𝜎𝑟 4.15
Note that we let the constant of integration be 2𝐶1 (say)
Substituting (4.15) into equation (4.13),
𝑑𝜎𝑟 𝑑𝜎𝑟
𝑟 + 𝜎𝑟 − 2𝐶1 − 𝜎𝑟 = 0 𝑟 + 2𝜎𝑟 = 2𝐶1
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Multiplying through by r and rearranging,
2
𝑑𝜎𝑟
2𝑟𝜎𝑟 + 𝑟 − 2𝐶1 𝑟 = 0
𝑑𝑟
Integrating w.r.t r we get,
𝑑 𝜎𝑟 𝑟 2 = 𝐶1 𝑟 2 + 𝐶2
𝜎𝑟 𝑟 2 − 𝐶1 𝑟 2 = 0
𝑑𝑟 𝐶2
𝜎𝑟 = 𝐶1 + 2
𝜎𝑟 𝑟 2 − 𝐶1 𝑟 2 = 𝐶2 𝑟
Derivation of the hoop and radial stress equations
We see that integrating and simplifying, we get
𝐶2 4.16
𝜎𝑟 = 𝐶1 + 2
𝑟
Substituting equation (4.16) into (4.15) and simplifying, we get

𝐶2
𝜎𝑐 = 𝐶1 − 2 4.17
𝑟

• Equations (4.16) and (4.17) are called Lamé’s Equations

• The Lame equations when plotted on stress and 1Τ𝑟 2 axes produce straight lines, as shown in
Figure 4.4
• The two lines may be modified to a single a straight line, where (𝜎𝑟 ), lies on one side and (𝜎𝑐 ),
on the other side, as shown by Figure 4.4 .
Graphical Representation of Lamé’s Equations
For the case shown in Figure 4.4,
(𝜎𝑟 ),is compressive and (𝜎𝜃 ), tensile,
where:

𝜎𝜃1 = internal hoop stress, which can be

seen to be the maximum stress
𝜎𝜃2 = external hoop stress
P = internal cylinder pressure

Fig. 4.4 : Lame line for the case of internal pressure

Note that for the graph in figure 4.4 the value of the longitudinal stress 𝜎𝑎 is given by the intercept
𝐶1 on the 𝜎 axis.
Graphical Representation of Lamé’s Equations
• Both lines have exactly the same intercept 𝐶1 and the same magnitude of slope
𝐶2 , the only difference being the sign of their slopes.
• The two are therefore combined by plotting hoop stress values to the left of the
𝜎 axis (again against 1Τ𝑟 2 ) instead of to the right to give the single line shown in
Fig. 4.4.
• In most questions one value of 𝜎𝑟 , and one value of 𝜎𝜃 , or alternatively two
values of 𝜎𝑟 , are given. In both cases the single line can then be drawn.
Maximum Shear Stress in Thick Cylinders
• The stresses on an element at any point in the cylinder wall are principal stresses.
• Thus, the maximum shear stress at any point will be given by equation 4.18 as
follows: 𝜎𝑐 − 𝜎𝑟
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 4.18
2
• The greatest value of shear stress normally occurs at the inside radius where r = r1.
Examples
Example 1
A thick-walled circular cylinder of internal diameter 0.2 m is subjected to an internal
pressure of 100 MPa. If the maximum permissible stress in the cylinder is limited to
150 MPa, determine the maximum possible external diameter.
Solution
Examples
Example 2
If the cylinder in the previous problem were subjected to an external pressure of 100
MPa and an internal pressure of zero, what would be the maximum magnitude of
stress.
Solution
Questions
Question 1
Determine the maximum and minimum hoop stress across the section of pipe of
400mm internal diameter and 100mm thick, the pipe contains a fluid at a pressure of
8N/mm2. Also sketch the radial pressure distribution and hoop stress distribution
across the section.
Question 2
Find the thickness of metal necessary for a cylindrical shell of internal diameter
160mm to withstand an internal pressure of 8N/mm2. The maximum hoop stress in
the section is not to exceed 35N/mm2.
Boundary Condition in Thick Cylinders
• Values of the constants C1 and C2 in equations 4.16 and 4.17can be obtained from
the known values of internal and external pressures.
• Let
1) 𝜎𝑟 = −𝑃𝑖 at 𝑟 = 𝑟1 = 𝑎
2) 𝜎𝑟 = −𝑃𝑜 at 𝑟 = 𝑟2 = 𝑏

• (- sign indicates that the pressure produces compressive radial stresses).

• Using these boundary conditions, we have C1 and C2 given as
Boundary Condition in Thick Cylinders
• Then the radial and circumferential stresses can now be given as

4.19

4.20

• The maximum shear stress at any point is half the algebraic difference
between the maximum and minimum principal stresses.

4.21
Boundary Condition in Thick Cylinders
• The largest value of 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 is found at r = a, the inner surface.
• As Po reduces, 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 increases. Thus, the greatest maximum shear stress
corresponds to r = a and Po = 0 and is given by

4.22

• Note 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 occurs on planes making an angle of 45o with the principle plane on
which the radial and circumferential stresses are acting
Special Cases
Internal Pressure only
• When only internal pressure is present equations for radial and circumferential
stress, will change as follows:
Special Cases

4.23

4.24

• Note that
2
Fig. : 4.5 Stress in a Thick Cylinder with internal pressure only

1) The ratio ൗ𝑟 2 ≥ 1
𝑏

2) 𝜎𝑟 is negative for all values of r, except at r = b, where 𝜎𝑟 = 0

3) 𝜎𝑟 is maximum at r = a
4) 𝜎𝑐 is positive for all values of r and is maximum at r = a.
Special Cases
External Pressure only:
In this case, Pi = 0, and the equations are given as follows:

4.25

4.26

• Note that
Fig. : 4.6 Stress in a Thick Cylinder with external pressure only

1) The radial stress is compressive for all values of r, and is maximum at r = b

2) The circumferential stress is compressive for all values of r, and is
maximum at r = a.
Stresses in Compound Thick Cylinders
• Consider a cylinder shrinked over another cylinder
• The inner cylinder is in initial compression (shrinks), whereas the outer
cylinder is in initial tension (expands)
• When the compound cylinder is subjected to internal fluid pressure both
the inner and outer cylinders will be subjected to hoop tensile stress.
• The net effect of initial stresses due to shrinkage and those due to internal
fluid pressure make the resulting stresses relatively uniform.
• In compound cylinders, a much smaller total fluctuation of hoop stress is
obtained.
• A similar effect is obtained if a cylinder is wound with wire or steel tape
under tension.
Stresses in Compound Thick Cylinders
• The method of solution for compound cylinders constructed
from similar materials is to break the problem down into three
separate effects:
a) Shrinkage pressure only on the inside cylinder;
b) Shrinkage pressure only on the outer cylinder;
c) Internal pressure only on the compound cylinder
• For each of the resulting load conditions there are two known
values of radial stress from which the stresses can be
determined in each case.
Stresses in Compound Thick Cylinders

Fig. 4.7: Compound cylinders-combined internal pressure and shrinkage effects

Stresses in Compound Thick Cylinders

Fig. 4.8: Compound cylinders-combined stress distribution

Examples
Question 3
A steel disc of external diameter 0.2 m and internal diameter 0.1 m is shrunk onto a
solid steel shaft of external diameter 0.1 m, where all the dimensions are nominal. If
the interference fit, based on diameters, between the shaft and the disc at the common
surface is 0.2 mm, determine the maximum stress. For steel, E = 2 x 1011N/m2,𝑣 = 0.3
Solution
Grazie