A simplified design approach to determine the maximum strains in a grp vessel supported on twin saddles

The maximum strain in a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) vessel, used for unpressurised liquid storage and supported on rigid saddle supports, occurs in the immediate region of the saddle horn on the outside surface. An existing Fourier series solution of this problem has been used to conduct a parametric study and extend the previous work given by Tooth et al. (Proc Inst Mech Engr, Part E: Process Mech Engng 208 (1994) 59). To provide the results for the maximum strain in a 'closed form', an equation fitting technique has been used. This work, presented originally at the ICPVT-9, Sydney, gives a simplified design approach for the symmetric laminate. Following the preparation of the work for the ICPVT-9, a more comprehensive treatment, covering a wider range of vessel support locations, was carried out, and presented by Nash et al. (Proc Inst Mech Engr, Part L, J Mater: Design Applications, in press). Recognising the value of the simplified approach presented in the ICPVT-9 paper, use was made of the work of Tooth et al. and Nash et al. to extend its range of applicability to provide confidence in using this simplified approach for other saddle locations. The resulting paper presented here, should provide useful background and illustrates the use of the method with the aid of an example.