Parametric design and Finite Element Analysis of metallic tanks transporting dangerous goods

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Machine Elements & Machine Design, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

^* Corresponding author: amih@auth.gr

Abstract

Metallic tanks are widely used for the transportation of dangerous goods. Manufacturers utilize standards in conjunction with European legislation concerning the international carriage (ADR and RID) to specify the minimum design and construction requirements. The analysis of the tank’s attachment to the vehicle is not covered by analytical calculation methods, and only the Finite Element stress analysis can be used prior to manufacture. New ADR amendments demand that the certification authorities conduct stringent examinations that the manufacturer has the ability to perform high quality weldings. Applying the structural strength concept implemented in the International Institute of Welding (IIW) guidelines into the calculation is a protracted task. Aiming at speeding up the procedure, a parametric design and an efficient FE analysis is developed for a LGBF tank. Utilizing parametric design offers sufficient overview of the whole structure, while a supplementary surface model is generated to reduce pre-processing time. The tank is subjected to prescribed load cases, while the meshing directives of the structural hot spot stress concept (SHSSC) according to the IIW recommendations are incorporated in the procedure, in order to assess both the static and fatigue strength of the weld details. Using a multi-compartment LGBF tank as a case study, it is shown that the proposed detailed and automated analysis succeeds in reducing the time and effort needed, as well as in allocating the critical spots, substantially increasing the calculation accuracy.