ARTICLE D-3
SHELLS OF REVOLUTION UNDER
EXTERNAL PRESSURE1
AD-300 SCOPE
The rules given in this Article for determining the
thicknesses of vessels under external pressure are appli-
cable to spherical, conical, and cylindrical shells with
or without stiffening rings, to formed heads, and to
tubular products (see AF-130.2). Charts for use in
determining the thicknesses of these components are
given in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D.
AD-300.1 Nomenclature. The symbols used in this
Article are defined as follows:
Ap factor determined from Fig. G in Subpart 3 of
Section II, Part D and used to enter the applica-
ble material chart in Subpart 3 of Section II,
Part D. For the case of cylinders having Do /t
values less than 10, see AD-310.2. Also, factor
determined from the applicable chart in Subpart
3 of Section II, Part D for the material used in
a stiffening ring, corresponding to the factor B
(see below) and the design metal temperature
for the shell under consideration.
AeLp effective area of reinforcement at large end in-
tersection due to excessive metal thickness, sq
in. (mm2)
Aesp effective area of reinforcement at small end in-
tersection due to excessive metal thickness, sq
in. (mm2)
ArLp required area of reinforcement at large end of
cone, sq in. (mm2)
Arsp required area of reinforcement at small end of
cone, sq in. (mm2)
Asp cross-sectional area of the stiffening ring, sq in.
(mm2)
ATp equivalent area of cylinder, cone, and stiffening
ring, sq in. (mm2), where
1
For formed heads under pressure on the convex side, this may be
either internal or external pressure, depending on the orientation of
the head on the shell.
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L L t L c tr
ATL p + + A s for large end
2 2
L sm t L c tr
A TS p + + A s for small end
2 2
Bp factor determined from the applicable chart in
Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D for the material
used in a shell or stiffening ring at the design
metal temperature
DLp outside diameter of large end of conical section
under consideration, in. (mm)
Dop outside diameter of cylindrical shell, in. (mm)
(In conical shell calculations, the value of Ds
or DL should be used in calculations in place
of Do, depending on whether the small end Ds
or large end DL, is being examined.)
Do /2ho
p ratio of the major to the minor axis of ellipsoidal
heads, which equals the outside diameter of the
head skirt divided by twice the outside height
of the head (see Table AD-350.2)
Dsp outside diameter of small end of conical section
under consideration, in. (mm)
Ep modulus of elasticity of the material at design
temperature, psi (kPa). For external pressure
and axial design in accordance with this Section,
the modulus of elasticity to be used shall be
taken from the applicable materials chart in
Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D.2 (Interpolation
may be made between lines for intermediate
temperatures.)
Ecp modulus of elasticity of cone material, psi (kPa)
Erp modulus of elasticity of stiffening ring material,
psi (kPa)
2
Note that the modulus of elasticity values listed in Subpart 3 of
Section II, Part D for specific material groups may differ from those
values listed in Table TM-1 of Section II, Part D and need only
be applied for external pressure and axial compression design.
 AD-300.1 PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Esp modulus of elasticity of shell material, psi (kPa)
f1p axial load at large end due to wind, dead load,
etc., excluding pressure, lb /in. (kN/m)
f2p axial load at small end due to wind, dead load,
etc., excluding pressure, lb /in. (kN/m)
hop one-half of the length of the outside minor axis
of the ellipsoidal head, or the outside height of
the ellipsoidal head measured from the tangent
line (head-bend line), in. (mm)
Ip available moment of inertia of combined ring
shellcone cross section about its neutral axis
parallel to the axis of the shell, in.4 (mm4). The
width of shell which is taken as contributing to
the moment of inertia of the combined section
shall not be greater than 1.10Do ts and shall be
taken as lying one-half on each side of the
centroid of the ring. Portions of the shell plate
shall not be considered as contributing area to
more than one stiffening ring.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: Stiffening rings may be subject to lateral
buckling. This should be considered in addition to the requirements
for Is and I.
Isp required moment of inertia of the combined
ringshellcone cross section about its neutral
axis parallel to the axis of the shell, in.4 (mm4)
If the stiffeners should be so located that the maximum
permissible effective shell sections overlap on either
or both sides of a stiffener, the effective shell section
for that stiffener shall be shortened by one-half of each
overlap.
kp 1 when additional area of reinforcement is not
required
p y /Sr Er when a stiffening ring is required, but k
not less than 1.0
Kop a factor depending on the ellipsoidal head pro-
portions Do /2ho (see Table AD-350.2)
Lp total length of a tube between tubesheets, or the
design length of a vessel section, taken as the
largest of the following:
(a) the distance between head tangent lines
plus one-third of the depth of each head if there
are no stiffening rings (excluding conical heads
and sections);
(b) the distance between cone-to-cylinder
junctions for vessels with conical heads if there
are no stiffening rings;
(c) the greatest center-to-center distance be-
tween any two adjacent stiffening rings;
(d) the distance from the center of the first
stiffening ring to the head tangent line plus one-
third of the depth of the head (excluding conical
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AD-300.1
heads and sections), all measured parallel to the
axis of the vessel, in. (mm); or
(e) the distance from the first stiffening ring
in the cylinder to the cone-to-cylinder junction.
Lcp length of cone between stiffening rings mea-
sured along surface of cone, in. For cones with-
out intermediate stiffeners,
Lc p Lx2 + (RL Rs)2
Lep equivalent length of conical section, in. (mm)
p (L x / 2)(1 + D s / D L )
LLp design length of a vessel section, in. (mm), taken
as the largest of the following:
(a) the center-to-center distance between the
cone-to-large-shell junction and an adjacent
stiffening ring on the large shell;
(b) the distance between the cone-to-large-
shell junction and one-third the depth of head
on the other end of the large shell if no other
stiffening rings are used.
Lsp one-half of the distance from the centerline of
the stiffening ring to the next line of support
on one side, plus one-half of the centerline dis-
tance to the next line of support on the other side
of the stiffening ring, both measured parallel to
the axis of the component, in. (mm). A line of
support is:
(a) a stiffening ring that meets the require-
ments of this paragraph;
(b) a circumferential line on a head at one-
third the depth of the head from the head tan-
gent line;
(c) a circumferential connection to a jacket
for a jacketed section of a cylindrical shell; or
(d) a cone-to-cylinder junction.
Lsmp design length of a vessel section, in. (mm), taken
as the largest of the following:
(a) the center-to-center distance between the
cone-to-small-shell junction and an adjacent
stiffening ring on the small shell;
(b) the distance between the cone-to-small-
shell junction and one-third the depth of head
on the other end of the small shell if no other
stiffening rings are used.
Lxp axial length of cone, per Fig. AD-300.1, in.
(mm)
Pp external design pressure, psi (kPa)
Pap maximum allowable external working pressure,
psi (kPa) (gage or absolute, as required)
QLp algebraical sum of PRL /2 and f1, lb /in. (kN/m)
Qsp algebraical sum of PRs /2 and f2, lb /in. (kN/m)
 Fig. AD-300.1 2001 SECTION VIII DIVISION 2

FIG. AD-300.1 LENGTH Lx OF SOME TYPICAL CONICAL SECTIONS FOR EXTERNAL PRESSURE

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 AD-300.1 PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
RLp outside radius of large cylinder, in. (mm)
Rop for spherical shell, the outside radius, in. (mm)
p for hemispherical head, the outside radius, in.
(mm)
p for ellipsoidal head, the equivalent outside
spherical radius taken as Ko Do, in. (mm)
p for torispherical head, the outside radius of the
crown portion of the head, in. (mm)
Rsp outside radius of small cylinder, in. (mm)
Sp the lesser of 1.5Sm at design metal temperature
from the tables in Subpart 1 of Section II, Part
D, or 0.9 times the tabulated yield strength at
design metal temperature from the tables in
Subpart 1 of Section II, Part D, ksi (kPa)
Scp allowable stress intensity of cone, psi (kPa)
Srp allowable stress intensity of stiffening ring ma-
terial, psi (kPa)
Ssp allowable stress intensity of shell, psi (kPa)
tp minimum required thickness of cylindrical shell
or tube, of spherical shell, or of formed head,
in. (mm)
tcp nominal thickness of cone at cone-to-cylinder
junction, in. (mm)
tep effective thickness of conical section, in. (mm)
p tr cos
trp minimum required thickness of cone at cone-
to-cylinder junction, in. (mm)
tsp nominal thickness used, of a cylindrical shell
or tube (for pipe, the tolerance requirements of
AF-105.2 shall apply), in. (mm)
yp cone-to-cylinder factor
p Ss Es for stiffening ring on shell
p Sc Ec for stiffening ring on cone
p one-half the included (apex) angle of the cone
at the centerline of the head
p value to indicate need for reinforcement at cone-
to-cylinder intersection having a half apex angle
60 deg. When , no reinforcement is
required at the junction (see Table AD-360.3).
AD-310 CYLINDRICAL SHELLS AND
TUBES
The minimum required thickness of a cylindrical
shell or tube under external pressure, either seamless
or with longitudinal butt joints, shall be determined by
the following procedure.
AD-310.1 Cylinders Having Do / t Values 10
Step 1. Assume a value for t and determine the
ratios L / Do and Do /t.
Step 2. Enter Fig. G in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part
D at the value of L /Do determined in Step 1. For
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AD-310.2
values of L /Do greater than 50, enter the chart at a
value of L /Do of 50. For values of L /Do less than
0.05, enter the chart at a value of L /Do p 0.05.
Step 3. Move horizontally to the line for the value
of Do /t determined in Step 1. Interpolation may be
made for intermediate values of Do /t. From this intersec-
tion move vertically downwards and read the value of
factor A.
Step 4. Using the value of A calculated in Step 3,
enter the applicable material chart in Subpart 3 of
Section II, Part D for the material /temperature under
consideration. Move vertically to an intersection with
the material-temperature line for the design temperature
(see AD-121.2). Interpolation may be made between
lines for intermediate temperatures. In cases where the
value at A falls to the right of the end of the material-
temperature line, assume an intersection with the hori-
zontal projection of the upper end of the material-
temperature line. For values at A falling to the left of
the material line, see Step 7.
Step 5. From the intersection obtained in Step 4,
move horizontally to the right and read the value of
factor B.
Step 6. Using this value of B, calculate the value
of the maximum allowable external working pressure
Pa using the following formula:
4B
Pa p
3(Do / t)
Step 7. For values of A falling to the left of the
applicable material-temperature line, the value of Pa
can be calculated using the following formula:
2AE
Pa p
3(Do / t)
Step 8. Compare Pa with P. If Pa is smaller than
P, select a larger value for t and repeat the design
procedure until a value for Pa is obtained that is equal
to or greater than P. An example illustrating the use
of this procedure is given in G-112.
AD-310.2 Cylinders Having Do / t Values < 10
Step 1. Using the same procedure as given in AD-
310.1, obtain the value of B. For values of Do /t less
than four, the value of factor A can be calculated using
the following formula:
1.1
Ap
(Do / t)2
For values of A greater than 0.10, use a value of 0.10.
 AD-310.2 2001 SECTION VIII DIVISION 2
Step 2. Using the value of B obtained in Step 1,
calculate a value Pa1 using the following formula:
(D / t) 0.0833 B
2.167
Pa1 p
o Pa p B / (Ro / t)
Step 3. Calculate a value Pa2 using the following
formula:
2S 1
Pa2 p 1 0.0625E
Do / t Do / t
where S is the lesser of 1.5Sm at design metal tempera-
ture from the applicable table in Subpart 1 of Section
II, Part D, or 0.9 times the tabulated yield strength of
the material at design metal temperature from the
applicable table in Subpart 1 of Section II, Part D.
Step 4. The smaller of the values of Pa1 calculated
in Step 2 or Pa2 calculated in Step 3 shall be used
for the maximum allowable external working pressure
Pa. Compare Pa with P. If Pa is smaller than P, select
a larger value for t and repeat the design procedure
until a value for Pa is obtained that is equal to or
greater than P.
AD-320 SPHERICAL SHELLS
The minimum required thickness of a spherical shell
under external pressure, either seamless or of built-up
construction with butt joints, shall be determined by
the following procedure.
Step 1. Assume a value for t and calculate the value
of factor A using the following formula:
A p 0.125 / (Ro / t)
Step 2. Using the value of A calculated in Step 1,
enter the applicable material chart in Subpart 3 of
Section II, Part D for the material under consideration.
Move vertically to an intersection with the material-
temperature line for the design temperature (see AD-
121.2). Interpolation may be made between lines for
intermediate temperatures. In cases where the value at
A falls to the right of the end of the material-temperature
line, assume an intersection with the horizontal projec-
tion of the upper end of the material-temperature line.
For values at A falling to the left of the material-
temperature line, see Step 5.
Step 3. From the intersection obtained in Step 2,
move horizontally to the right and read the value of
factor B.
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AD-331
Step 4. Using the value of B obtained in Step 3,
calculate the value of the maximum allowable external
working pressure Pa using the following formula:
Step 5. For values of A falling to the left of the
applicable material-temperature line, the value of Pa
can be calculated using the following formula:
Pa p
(Ro / t)2
Step 6. Compare Pa obtained in Step 4 or 5 with
P. If Pa is smaller than P, assume a larger value of
t and repeat the design procedure until a value for Pa
is obtained that is equal to or greater than P. An
example illustrating the use of this procedure is given
in G-113.
AD-330 STIFFENING RINGS FOR
CYLINDRICAL SHELLS
AD-331 Moment of Inertia for
Circumferential Stiffening Rings
The required moment of inertia of the combined
ringshell section is given by the following formula:
Do2 Ls (t + As / Ls )A
Is p
10.9
The moment of inertia for a stiffening ring shall be
determined by the following procedure.
Step 1. Assuming that the shell has been designed
and Do, Ls , and t are known, select a member to be
used for the stiffening ring and determine its cross-
sectional area As , and the value of Is defined in AD-
331. Then calculate B using the following formula:
3 PDo
Bp
4 t + As / L s
Step 2. Enter the right-hand side of the applicable
material chart in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D for
the material under consideration at the value of B
determined in Step 1. If different materials are used
for the shell and stiffening ring, then use the material
chart resulting in the larger value for factor A in Step
4 or 5 below.
Step 3. Move horizontally to the left to the material-
temperature line for the design metal temperature. For
 AD-331 PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
values of B falling below the left end of the material-
temperature line, see Step 5.
Step 4. Move vertically to the bottom of the chart
and read the value of A.
Step 5. For values of B falling below the left end
of the material-temperature line for the design tempera-
ture, the value of A can be calculated using the following
formula:
A p 2B / E
Step 6. If the required Is is greater than that computed
for the combined ringshell section I in Step 1, a new
section with a larger moment of inertia must be selected
and a new moment of inertia determined. If Is is smaller
than I computed for the section selected, then that
section should be satisfactory.
An example of the use of this procedure is given
in G-114.
AD-332 Arrangement of Stiffening Rings
Stiffening rings shall extend completely around the
vessel except as provided in (c)(1), (2), and (3) below.
(a) Any joints between the ends or sections of such
rings, as shown in Fig. AD-332.1 (A) and (B), and
any connection between adjacent portions of a stiffening
ring lying inside or outside the shell, as shown in (C),
shall be made so that the required moment of inertia
of the combined ringshell section is maintained. For
a strut section, as shown in Fig. AD-332.1 (D), the
required moment of inertia shall be supplied by the
strut alone.
(b) Stiffening rings placed on the inside of a vessel
may be arranged as shown in Fig. AD-332.1 (E) and
(F) provided that the required moment of inertia of
the ring in (E) or of the combined ringshell section
in (F) is maintained within the sections indicated. Where
the gap at (A) or (E) does not exceed eight times the
thickness of the shell plate, the combined moment of
inertia of the shell and stiffener may be used.
(c) Any gap in that portion of a stiffening ring
supporting the shell, as shown in Fig. AD-332.1 (D)
and (E), shall not exceed the length of arc given in Fig.
AF-130.3 unless additional reinforcement is provided as
shown in (C) or unless:
(1) the length of unsupported shell arc does not
exceed 90 deg; and
(2) the unsupported shell arcs in adjacent stiffening
rings are staggered 180 deg; and
(3) the dimension L defined in AD-300.1 is taken
as the larger of the distance between alternate stiffening
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AD-340
rings or the distance from the head-bend line to the
second stiffening ring plus one-third of the head depth.
(d) When internal plane structures perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, such as bubble
trays or baffle plates, are used in a vessel, they may
also be considered to act as stiffening rings provided
they are designed to function as such.
(e) Any internal stays or supports used shall bear
against the shell of the vessel through the medium of
a substantially continuous ring.
AD-333 Permissible Methods of Attaching
Stiffening Rings
Stiffening rings shall be attached to either the outside
or the inside of the vessel by continuous welding (see
Fig. AD-912.1). Where gaps occur in the stiffening
ring, the attachment weld shall conform to the details
in Fig. AD-912.1 sketch (e).
AD-340 CYLINDERS UNDER AXIAL
COMPRESSION
The maximum allowable compressive stress to be
used in the design of cylindrical shells and tubes
subjected to loadings that produce longitudinal compres-
sive stresses in the shell or tube shall be the smaller
of the following values:
(a) the maximum allowable stress intensity at design
metal temperature from the tables in Subpart 1 of
Section II, Part D;
(b) the value of the factor B determined from the
applicable chart in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D,
using the following definitions for the symbols on the
charts:
Rop outside radius of cylindrical shell or tube, in.
(mm)
tp minimum required thickness of cylindrical shell
or tube, in. (mm)
The value of B shall be determined from the applicable
chart in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D in the following
manner.
Step 1. Using the selected values of t and Ro, calculate
the value of factor A using the following formula:
A p 0.125 / (Ro / t)
Step 2. Using the value of A calculated in Step 1,
enter the applicable material chart in Subpart 3 of
Section II, Part D for the material under consideration.
Move vertically to an intersection with the material-
temperature line for the design temperature (see AD-
 Fig. AD-332.1 2001 SECTION VIII DIVISION 2

FIG. AD-332.1 VARIOUS ARRANGEMENTS OF STIFFENING RINGS FOR

CYLINDRICAL VESSELS SUBJECTED TO EXTERNAL PRESSURE

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 AD-340 PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS AD-360.1

121.2). Interpolation may be made between lines for TABLE AD-350.2

intermediate temperatures. In cases where the value at VALUES OF SPHERICAL RADIUS FACTOR Ko FOR
A falls to the right of the end of the material-temperature ELLIPSOIDAL HEAD WITH PRESSURE ON
line, assume an intersection with the horizontal projec- CONVEX SIDE
Interpolation Permitted for Intermediate Values
tion of the upper end of the material-temperature line.
For values at A falling to the left of the material- Do / 2ho ... 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2
temperature line, see Step 4. Ko ... 1.36 1.27 1.18 1.08 0.99
Step 3. From the intersection obtained in Step 2,
move horizontally to the right and read the value of Do / 2ho 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0
Ko 0.90 0.81 0.73 0.65 0.57 0.50
factor B. This is the maximum allowable compressive
stress for the values of t and R used in Step 1.
Step 4. For values of A falling to the left of the
applicable material temperature line, the value of B
can be obtained using the following formula:
ellipsoidal heads shall be the equivalent outside spherical
radius taken as Ko Do in the corroded condition.
B p AE / 2
AD-350.3 Torispherical Heads. The minimum re-
Step 5. Compare the value of B determined in Step quired thickness of a torispherical head having pressure
3 or 4 with the computed longitudinal compressive on the convex side, either seamless or of built-up
stress in the cylindrical shell or tube using the selected construction with butt joints, shall not be less than that
values of t and Ro. If the value of B is smaller than determined by the same design procedure as is used
the computed compressive stress, a greater value of t for spherical shells in AD-320, except that the value
must be selected and the design procedure repeated of Ro for torispherical heads shall be the outside radius
until a value of B is obtained which is greater than of the crown portion of the head in the corroded
the compressive stress computed for the loading on condition.
the cylindrical shell or tube.

AD-360 CONICAL SHELLS AND HEADS

AD-350 FORMED HEADS
The minimum required thickness at the thinnest
point after forming of hemispherical, ellipsoidal, or
torispherical heads under pressure on the convex side3
(minus heads) shall be determined by the appropriate
rules or formulas in the following subparagraphs.
AD-350.1 Hemispherical Heads. The minimum re-
quired thickness of a hemispherical head having pressure
on the convex side shall be determined in the same
manner as given in AD-320 for determining the mini-
mum required thickness for a spherical shell.
AD-350.2 Ellipsoidal Heads. The minimum required
thickness of an ellipsoidal head having pressure on the
convex side, either seamless or of built-up construction
with butt joints, shall not be less than that determined
by the same design procedure as is used for spherical
shells in AD-320, except that the value of Ro for
3 Section II, Part D for the material under consideration.
Pressure on the convex side may be caused by either internal
pressure or external pressure, depending upon the orientation of the
head as it is attached to the shell.
The required thickness of a conical head or section
under pressure on the convex side, either seamless
or of built-up construction with butt joints, shall be
determined in accordance with AD-360.1 or AD-360.2.
Stiffening rings shall be in accordance with AD-360.3.
AD-360.1 Cone Angle 60 deg
(a) Cones Having DL /te Values 10
Step 1. Assume a value for te and determine the
ratios Le /DL and DL/te.
Step 2. Enter Fig. G in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part
D at a value of L /Do equivalent to the value of Le /DL
determined in Step 1. For values of Le /DL greater than
50, enter the chart at a value of Le /DL p 50.
Step 3. Move horizontally to the line for the value
of Do /t equivalent to the value of DL /te determined
in Step 1. Interpolation may be made for intermediate
values of DL /te . From this point of intersection move
vertically downwards to determine the value of factor A.
Step 4. Using the value of A calculated in Step 3,
enter the applicable material chart in Subpart 3 of
Move vertically to an intersection with the material-
temperature line for the design temperature (see AD-

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 AD-360.1 2001 SECTION VIII DIVISION 2
121.2). Interpolation may be made between lines for
intermediate temperatures.
In cases where the value of A falls to the right of
the end of the material-temperature line, assume an
intersection with the horizontal projection of the upper
end of the material-temperature line. For values of A
falling to the left of the material-temperature line, see
Step 7.
Step 5. From the intersection obtained in Step 4,
move horizontally to the right and read the value of
factor B.
Step 6. Using this value of B, calculate the value
of the maximum allowable external working pressure
Pa using the following formula:
4B
Pa p
3(DL / te)
Step 7. For values of A falling to the left of the
applicable material-temperature line, the value of Pa
can be calculated using the following formula:
2AE
Pa p
3(DL / te)
Step 8. Compare the calculated value of Pa obtained
in Step 6 or 7 with P. If Pa is smaller than P, select
a larger value for t and repeat the design procedure
until a value of Pa is obtained that is equal to or
greater than P.
Step 9. Provide adequate reinforcement of the cone-
to-cylinder juncture according to AD-360.3.
(b) Cones Having DL / te Values < 10
Step 1. Using the same procedure as given in (a)
above, obtain the value of B. For values of DL /te less
than 4, the value of factor A can be calculated using
the following formula:
1.1
Ap
(DL / te)2
For values of A greater than 0.10, use a value of 0.10.
Step 2. Using the value of B obtained in Step 1,
calculate a value Pa1 using the following formula:
(D / t ) 0.0833 B
2.167
Pa1 p
L e
Step 3. Calculate a value Pa2 using the following
formula:
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AD-360.3
2S 1
Pa2 p 1
DL / te DL / te
where
Sp the lesser of two times the maximum allowable
stress value at design metal temperature, from
the applicable table in Subpart 1 of Section II,
Part D, or 0.9 times the yield strength of the
material at design temperature, psi (kPa)
Step 4. The smaller of the values of Pa1 calculated
in Step 2 or Pa2 calculated in Step 3 shall be used
for the maximum allowable external working pressure
Pa. Compare Pa with P. If Pa is smaller than P, select
a larger value for t and repeat the design procedure
until a value for Pa is obtained that is equal to or
greater than P.
Step 5. Provide adequate reinforcement of the cone-
to-cylinder juncture according to AD-360.3.
AD-360.2 Cone Angle > 60 deg. When of the
cone is greater than 60 deg, the thickness of the cone
shall be the same as the required thickness for a flat
head under external pressure, the diameter of which
equals the largest diameter of the cone, or shall be
designed by special analysis in accordance with AD-
360.3(e).
AD-360.3 Rules for Reinforcement of Cone-to-
Cylinder Junction Under External Pressure
(a) The formulas of (b) and (c) below provide for
the design of reinforcement, if needed, at the cone-to-
cylinder junctions for reducer sections and conical heads
where all the elements have a common axis and the
half apex angle 60 deg. Subparagraph (e) below
provides for special analysis in the design of cone-to-
cylinder intersections with or without reinforcing rings,
including those where is > 60 deg.
In the design of reinforcement for a cone-to-cylinder
juncture, the requirements of AD-551 for reinforcement
material strength for nozzles are applicable to reinforce-
ment for a cone-to-cylinder juncture.
(b) Reinforcement shall be provided at the junction
of the cone with the large cylinder for conical heads
and reducers without knuckles when the value of
obtained from Table AD-360.3 using the appropriate
ratio P/Ss is less than . Interpolation may be made
in the Table.
The cross-sectional area of the reinforcement ring
shall be at least equal to that indicated by the following
formula:
 AD-360.3 PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS AD-360.3

TABLE AD-360.3 Step 2. Enter the right-hand side of the applicable

VALUES OF FOR JUNCTIONS AT THE LARGE material chart in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D for
CYLINDER FOR 60 deg the material under consideration at the value of B
P/Ss 0 0.002 0.005 0.010 0.02 determined by Step 1. If different materials are used
, deg 0 5 7 10 15 for the shell and stiffening ring, use the material chart
P/Ss 0.04 0.08 0.10 0.125 0.15 resulting in the larger value of A in Step 4 below.
, deg 21 29 33 37 40 Step 3. Move horizontally to the left to the material-
P/Ss 0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 Note (1) temperature line for the design metal temperature. For
, deg 47 52 57 60 values of B falling below the left end of the material-
NOTE: temperature line, see Step 5 below.
(1) p 60 deg for greater values of P/Ss. Step 4. Move vertically to the bottom of the chart
and read the value of A.
Step 5. For values of B falling below the left end
of the appropriate material-temperature curve, the value

kQ L D L tan 1 PD L 2Q L
A rL p
2S s
1
4 2Q L
(1) of A can be calculated using the formula A p 2B /Er.
For values of B falling above the appropriate material-
temperature line, the design shall be adjusted by either
When the thickness of both the reducer and cylinder changing the configuration, or changing the stiffener
exceeds that required by the applicable design formulas, ring size or location, such that B is reduced to a value
the minimum excess thickness may be considered to below or at the appropriate material-temperature curve.
contribute to the required stiffening ring in accordance For values of B having multiple values of A, such as
with the following formula: when B falls on a horizontal portion of the curve, the
smallest value of A shall be used.
Step 6. Compute the value of the required moment
2 cos
DLts DLtc
AeL p (ts t) + (tc tr) (2) of inertia from the formula for Is. For the combined
2
ringshellcone section:
Any additional area of stiffening which is required
ADL2 ATL
shall be situated within a distance of DLts /2 from Is p
10.9
the junction of the reducer and the cylinder. The centroid
of the added area shall be within a distance of 0.5
Step 7. Determine the available moment of inertia
DLts /2 from the junction. I of the combined ringshellcone section.
The stiffening ring at the cone-to-cylinder junction
Step 8. Evaluate the equation
shall also be considered as a stiffening ring.
The moment of inertia for a stiffening ring at the large
I Is
end shall be determined by the following procedure.
Step 1. Assuming that the shell has been designed
If the equation is not satisfied, a new section with
and DL, LL, and t are known, select a member to be
a larger moment of inertia must be selected, and the
used for the stiffening ring and determine cross-sectional
calculation shall be done again until the equation is met.
area ATL. Then calculate factor B using the following
formula: The requirements of AD-332 and AD-333 are to be
met in attaching stiffening rings to the shell.

3 FL DL
Bp (c) The stiffening ring shall be provided at the
4 ATL
junction of the conical shell of a reducer without a
flare and the small cylinder. The cross-sectional area
where
of the stiffening ring shall be at least equal to that
FL p PM + f1 tan indicated by the following formula:

DL tan LL DL2 Ds2 kQs Ds tan

Mp + + ** Ars p (3)
4 2 6DL tan 2 Ss

When the thickness of either the reducer or cylinder

** For some of the terms of the equations, it may be necessary to exceeds that required by the applicable design formula,
convert millimeters to meters to obtain a rational result in SI units. the thickness may be considered to contribute to the

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 AD-360.3 2001 SECTION VIII DIVISION 2
required reinforcement ring in accordance with the
following formula:
2 cos (t t ) +
Ds tc Ds ts
Aes p c r (t t) (4)
2 s
Any additional area of stiffener which is required
shall be situated within a distance Ds ts / 2 from the
junction, and the centroid of the added area shall be
within a distance 0.5Ds ts / 2 from the junction.
The stiffening ring at the cone-to-cylinder junction
shall also be considered as a stiffening ring.
The moment of inertia for a stiffening ring at the small
end shall be determined by the following procedure.
Step 1. Assuming that the shell has been designed
and Ds , Lsm, and t are known, select a member to be
used for the stiffening ring and determine cross-sectional
area ATS. Then calculate factor B using the following
formula:
3 Fs D s
Bp
4 ATS
where
Fs p pN + F2 tan
Ds tan Lsm DL2 Ds2
Np + +
4 2 12Ds tan
Step 2. Enter the right-hand side of the applicable
material chart in Subpart 3 of Section II, Part D for
the material under consideration at the value of B
determined by Step 1. If different materials are used
for the shell and stiffening ring, use the material chart
resulting in the larger value of A in Step 4 below.
Step 3. Move horizontally to the left to the material-
temperature line for the design metal temperature. For
values of B falling below the left end of the material-
temperature line, see Step 5 below.
Step 4. Move vertically to the bottom of the chart
and read the value of A.
Step 5. For values of B falling below the left end
of the appropriate material-temperature curve, the value
of A can be calculated using the formula A p 2B /Er.
For values of B falling above the appropriate material-
temperature line, the design shall be adjusted by either
changing the configuration, or changing the stiffener
ring size or location, such that B is reduced to a value
below or at the appropriate material-temperature curve.
For values of B having multiple values of A, such as
98
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AD-360.4
when B falls on a horizontal portion of the curve, the
smallest value of A shall be used.
Step 6. Compute the value of the required moment
of inertia from the formula for Is. For the combined
ringshellcone section:
ADs2 ATS
Is p
10.9
Step 7. Determine the available moment of inertia
I of the combined ringshellcone section.
Step 8. Evaluate the equation:
I Is
If the equation is not satisfied, a new section with
a larger moment of inertia must be selected, and the
calculation shall be done again until the equation is met.
The requirements of AD-332 and AD-333 are to be
met in attaching stiffening rings to the shell.
(d) The reinforcement of reducers not described in
AD-210, such as those made up of two or more conical
frustums having different slopes, may be designed in
accordance with (e) below.
(e) For conical sections with the half apex angle
greater than 60 deg, and as an alternative to the rules
provided in (b) and (c) above, the design may be based
on special analysis such as numerical methods or the
beam-on-elastic-foundation analysis of Timoshenko,
Hetenyi, or Watts and Lang. The stresses at the junction
shall meet all of the allowable stress limits of this
Division. The effect of shell and cone buckling on the
required area and moment of inertia at the joint shall
also be considered in the analysis. The theoretical
buckling pressure of the junction shall be at least 3.3
times the allowable external design pressure of the
junction.
AD-360.4 Toriconical Heads and Shell Sections.
The required thickness of a toriconical head having
pressure on the convex side, either seamless or of built-
up construction with butt joints within the head, shall
not be less than that determined from AD-360.1 or
AD-360.2, with the exception that Le shall be determined
as follows.
(a) For sketch (c) in Fig. AD-300.1,
L DL + Ds
Le p r1 sin 1 +
2 DLs
 AD-360.4 PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS AD-370

(b) For sketch (d) in Fig. AD-300.1,

Dss L DL + Ds
Le p r 2 sin 2 +
DL 2 DL

(c) For sketch (e) in Fig. AD-300.1,

Dss L (DL + Ds)

Le p r1 sin 1 + r 2 sin 2 +
DLs 2 DLs

NOTE: Nomenclature is as defined in Fig. AD-300.1.

AD-360.5 Eccentric Cones. The thickness of an

eccentric cone shall be taken as the greater of the two
thicknesses obtained using both the smallest and largest
in the calculations.

AD-370 OPENINGS IN SHELLS AND

HEADS
Openings in shells and heads convex to pressure
shall comply with the requirements of AD-520.

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