Optimal pressure vessel shape design to maximize limit load

The problem of optimal design of pressure vessel heads to maximize limit load behaviour is presented. Incremental elasto‐plastic analysis is used and a formulation based on the finite element method is presented whereby an approximate design model is generated which can be optimized via sequential programming. Results are presented for torispherical head shapes and tables are provided in order to evaluate the influence of different geometrical forms on limiting pressure loads. The method is generally applicable and can be applied to the design of components which are required to exhibit limited plastification under increasing load.