Stress and Deformation Analysis of

Horizontal Cylindrical Tank

Membrane Theory Approach for Liquid-Filled Vessel

Problem Statement
Analyze stresses and deformations in a horizontal cylindrical liquid tank using membrane
theory to determine internal forces, stress distributions, and displacements.

L/2 L/2

Figure 1: Horizontal cylindrical tank with supports

Given Parameters

Parameter Symbol Value Unit Description

Radius a 50 in Inner radius of tank
Wall Thickness t 1 in Shell thickness
Length L 200 in Total tank length
Elastic Modulus E 107 psi Material stiffness
Poisson’s Ratio ν 0.3 – Lateral strain ratio
Specific Weight γ 0.1 lb/in3 Fluid weight density

Table 1: Tank geometry and material properties

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Coordinate System and Geometry

• x-axis: Along the tank length (longitudinal direction)
• θ-axis: Angular position around the circumference (measured from top, positive
downward)
• Radial direction: Normal to the tank surface, positive outward
• Origin: x = 0 at mid-length, θ = 0 at the top of the tank

Theoretical Background
Membrane Theory
Membrane theory assumes:

• Thin shell: t/a ≪ 1 (here t/a = 0.02)

• No bending moments or transverse shear forces
• All internal forces act in the middle surface
• Shell carries loads through in-plane membrane forces only

Boundary Conditions
• Tank is supported on rollers at both ends
• Roller supports allow axial expansion/contraction
• Tank is open at both ends (atmospheric pressure)
• Liquid surface at top of tank (θ = 0)

Solution
Step 1: Calculate Shear Modulus
The shear modulus relates shear stress to shear strain for isotropic materials:
E
G= (1)
2(1 + ν)
Calculation:
107
G= (2)
2(1 + 0.3)
107
= (3)
2(1.3)
107
= (4)
2.6
= 3.846154 × 106 psi (5)

G = 3.846 × 106 psi (6)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Step 2: Determine Fluid Pressure Distribution

The fluid pressure varies with depth below the free surface. At angle θ from the top, the
vertical depth is a(1 − sin θ).

Free Surface

Zn = a(1 − sin θ)
P
a
a sin θ
θ
O

Figure 2: Cross-section defining the angle θ and pressure geometry

Hydrostatic pressure formula:

Zn = γ × depth = γa(1 − sin θ) (7)

Calculation:

Zn = (0.1 lb/in3 )(50 in)(1 − sin θ) (8)

= 5(1 − sin θ) psi (9)

Zn = 5(1 − sin θ) psi (10)

Physical interpretation:

• At θ = 0 (top): Zn = 5(1 − 0) = 5 psi

• At θ = 90 (side): Zn = 5(1 − 1) = 0 psi (free surface level)
• At θ = −90 (bottom): Zn = 5(1 − (−1)) = 10 psi (maximum pressure)

Step 3: Calculate Internal Membrane Forces

Using equilibrium equations for a thin cylindrical shell under internal pressure.

Step 3A: Circumferential (Hoop) Force (Nθ )

The hoop force resists circumferential expansion due to internal pressure.
Formula:
Nθ = aZn = a[γa(1 − sin θ)] (11)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Calculation:

Nθ = (50 in)[0.1 lb/in3 × 50 in × (1 − sin θ)] (12)

= (50)(0.1)(50)(1 − sin θ) (13)
= 250(1 − sin θ) lb/in (14)

Nθ = 250(1 − sin θ) lb/in (15)

Step 3B: Shear Force (Nxθ )

The shear force arises from the variation in hoop force along the length.
Derivation: From equilibrium in the tangential direction:
∂Nxθ 1 ∂Nθ
=− (16)
∂x a ∂θ
Since Nθ is independent of x:
∂Nθ ∂
= [250(1 − sin θ)] (17)
∂θ ∂θ
= −250 cos θ (18)

Integrating with respect to x:

∫
1 250 cos θ
Nxθ = − (−250 cos θ)dx = x + C(θ) (19)
a a

Applying boundary condition Nxθ = 0 at x = 0 (symmetry):

C(θ) = 0 (20)

Final result:
250 cos θ
Nxθ = x (21)
50
= 5x cos θ lb/in (22)

Alternatively, using the direct formula:

Nxθ = γax cos θ = (0.1)(50)x cos θ (23)

Nxθ = 5x cos θ lb/in (24)

Step 3C: Axial Force (Nx )

The axial force results from equilibrium in the longitudinal direction.
Derivation: From equilibrium:
∂Nx 1 ∂Nxθ
= (25)
∂x a ∂θ

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Calculate the derivative:

∂Nxθ ∂
= [5x cos θ] (26)
∂θ ∂θ
= −5x sin θ (27)

Therefore:
∂Nx −5x sin θ
= = −0.1x sin θ (28)
∂x 50
Integrating with respect to x:
∫ ( 2)
x
Nx = −0.1 sin θ x dx = −0.1 sin θ + C(θ) (29)
2

Applying boundary condition at x = ±L/2 = ±100 in (free ends): The axial force
must be antisymmetric about x = 0, so:

Nx (L/2) = −Nx (−L/2) (30)

This gives:
( )
L2
Nx = −0.05 sin θ x − 2
(31)
4
= −0.05 sin θ(x − 10000)
2
(32)
= 0.05 sin θ(10000 − x2 ) (33)

Or equivalently:
( )
γ L2 0.1
Nx = sin θ x −
2
= sin θ(x2 − 10000) (34)
2a 4 100

Nx = 0.001 sin θ(x2 − 10000) lb/in (35)

Note: The problem statement shows Nx = 0.05 sin θ(x2 −10000), which uses a different
coefficient.

Step 4: Calculate Stress Distributions

Stresses are obtained by dividing forces by thickness:
N
σ= (36)
t
Since t = 1 inch, numerically: σ = N

Circumferential (Hoop) Stress

Nθ 250(1 − sin θ)
σθ = = (37)
t 1

σθ = 250(1 − sin θ) psi (38)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Shear Stress
Nxθ 5x cos θ
τxθ = = (39)
t 1

τxθ = 5x cos θ psi (40)

Axial (Longitudinal) Stress

Nx 0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000)
σx = = (41)
t 1

σx = 0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000) psi (42)

Step 5: Calculate Displacements

Displacements are found by integrating strain-displacement relations.

Step 5A: Axial Displacement (u)

The axial strain is:
∂u 1
ϵx = = (Nx − νNθ ) (43)
∂x Et
Calculation:
1
ϵx = [0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000) − 0.3 × 250(1 − sin θ)] (44)
×1
107
= 10−7 [0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000) − 75(1 − sin θ)] (45)
= 10−7 [0.05x2 sin θ − 500 sin θ − 75 + 75 sin θ] (46)
= 10−7 [0.05x2 sin θ − 425 sin θ − 75] (47)

Integrating with respect to x:

∫
−7
u = 10 [0.05x2 sin θ − 425 sin θ − 75]dx (48)
[ 3
]
−7 0.05x
= 10 sin θ − 425x sin θ − 75x + C1 (θ) (49)
3
[ 3 ]
−7 x
= 10 sin θ − 425x sin θ − 75x + C1 (θ) (50)
60

Applying boundary condition u = 0 at x = 0 (roller support at mid-length):

C1 (θ) = 0 (51)

[ ]
−7 x3
u = 10 sin θ − x(425 sin θ + 75) in (52)
60

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Step 5B: Tangential Displacement (v)

The shear strain is:
1 ∂u ∂v Nxθ
γxθ = + = (53)
a ∂θ ∂x Gt
From the axial displacement:
[ 3 ]
1 ∂u 1 −7 x
= × 10 cos θ − 425x cos θ (54)
a ∂θ 50 60
[ 3 ]
−9 x
= 2 × 10 − 425x cos θ (55)
60
Therefore:
∂v Nxθ 1 ∂u
= − (56)
∂x Gt a ∂θ [ 3 ]
5x cos θ −9 x
= − 2 × 10 − 425x cos θ (57)
3.846 × 106 60
= 1.3 × 10−6 x cos θ − 3.33 × 10−11 x3 cos θ + 8.5 × 10−7 x cos θ (58)
= cos θ[2.15 × 10−6 x − 3.33 × 10−11 x3 ] (59)
Integrating with respect to x:
[ ]
v = cos θ 1.075 × 10−6 x2 − 8.33 × 10−12 x4 + C2 (θ) (60)
The constant C2 (θ) is determined from compatibility conditions.
[ ]
v = (1.1075 × 10−6 )x2 − (8.333 × 10−12 )x4 + C2 cos θ in (61)

Step 5C: Radial Displacement (w)

The circumferential strain is:
w 1 ∂v 1
ϵθ = + = (Nθ − νNx ) (62)
a a ∂θ Et
Solving for w:
a ∂v
w= (Nθ − νNx ) − (63)
Et ∂θ
Calculate first term:
a 50
(Nθ − νNx ) = 7 [250(1 − sin θ) − 0.3 × 0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000)] (64)
Et 10
= 5 × 10−6 [250 − 250 sin θ − 0.015x2 sin θ + 150 sin θ] (65)
= 5 × 10−6 [250 − 100 sin θ − 0.015x2 sin θ] (66)
= 0.00125 − (5 × 10−4 ) sin θ − (7.5 × 10−8 )x2 sin θ (67)
Calculate second term:
∂v
= − sin θ[(1.1075 × 10−6 )x2 − (8.333 × 10−12 )x4 + C2 ] (68)
∂θ
Combining:
[ ]
w = (10−6 )x2 − (8.333 × 10−8 )x4 − 0.0104 sin θ + 0.00125 in (69)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Summary of Results
Internal Forces

Force Component Formula Physical Meaning

Hoop Force Nθ = 250(1 − sin θ) lb/in Resists radial expansion
Shear Force Nxθ = 5x cos θ lb/in Resists tangential sliding
Axial Force Nx = 0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000) lb/in Resists longitudinal strain

Table 2: Internal membrane forces

Stress Distributions

Stress Component Formula Maximum Location

Hoop Stress σθ = 250(1 − sin θ) psi θ = 90 (side)
Shear Stress τxθ = 5x cos θ psi x = ±100, θ = 0
Axial Stress σx = 0.05 sin θ(x2 − 10000) psi x = ±100, θ = −90

Table 3: Stress distributions (for t = 1 in)

Displacements

Component Formula
[ 3 ]
−7 x
Axial u = 10 sin θ − x(425 sin θ + 75) in
60
Tangential v = [(1.1075 × 10−6 )x2 − (8.333 × 10−12 )x4 + C2 ] cos θ in

Radial w = [(10−6 )x2 − (8.333 × 10−8 )x4 − 0.0104] sin θ + 0.00125 in

Table 4: Displacement fields

Discussion
Maximum Stress Values
Maximum Hoop Stress:
σθ,max = 250(1 − (−1)) = 500 psi at θ = −90 (bottom) (70)
Maximum Shear Stress:
τxθ,max = 5(100)(1) = 500 psi at x = ±100 in, θ = 0 (top) (71)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Maximum Axial Stress:

|σx,max | = 0.05(1)(10000) = 500 psi at x = ±100 in, θ = −90 (72)

Assumptions and Limitations

1. Membrane theory neglects bending effects (valid for t/a < 0.1)
2. Small deformations (geometric linearity)
3. Uniform wall thickness
4. Perfect roller supports (no friction)
5. Static loading (no dynamic effects)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Membrane Analysis of Hemispherical Dome Under Self-Weight Problem 6:

Stress and Displacement Distribution

Problem Statement
Determine the stress and displacement distributions in a membrane hemispherical dome
subjected to its own weight. The dome is supported by roller supports at the base
(ϕ = π/2), allowing radial movement but preventing tangential displacement.

Given Parameters

Parameter Symbol Value Unit Description

Radius R 50 in Dome radius
Thickness t 1 in Shell thickness
Elastic Modulus E 107 psi Material stiffness
Poisson’s Ratio ν 0.3 – Lateral strain ratio
Weight per Unit Area γ 100 lb/in2 Self-weight loading

Table 5: Hemispherical dome parameters

Coordinate System and Geometry

• Origin: Center of sphere
• ϕ: Meridional angle measured from apex (top), 0 ≤ ϕ ≤ π/2
• θ: Circumferential angle around vertical axis
• Boundary: Roller support at base (ϕ = π/2)

Key positions:

• Apex: ϕ = 0
• Base: ϕ = π/2 (equator)

Theoretical Background
Loading Characteristics
The self-weight loading on a spherical shell acts:

• Vertically downward with magnitude γ per unit area

• Components in shell coordinates:
– Normal: pn = γ cos ϕ (toward center)
– Tangential: pt = γ sin ϕ (downward along meridian)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Membrane Theory Assumptions

For thin spherical shells (t/R ≪ 1):

1. No bending moments or transverse shear

2. All loads carried by membrane forces Nϕ and Nθ
3. Symmetric loading produces axisymmetric response
4. Valid away from concentrated loads and severe discontinuities

Equilibrium Equations
For an axisymmetric spherical shell:

d(Nϕ R sin ϕ)
− Nθ R cos ϕ = −pt R2 sin ϕ (73)
dϕ
Nϕ + Nθ = pR (74)

where p is the normal pressure component.

Solution
Step 1: Membrane Forces
The membrane forces for a spherical dome under self-weight are derived from equilibrium.

Meridional Force (Nϕ )

From meridional equilibrium:
Rγ
Nϕ = − (75)
1 + cos ϕ
Calculation:

(50 in)(100 lb/in2 )

Nϕ = − (76)
1 + cos ϕ
5000
=− lb/in (77)
1 + cos ϕ

5000
Nϕ = − lb/in (78)
1 + cos ϕ
Sign convention: Negative indicates compression.
Variation with position:

• At apex (ϕ = 0): Nϕ = −5000/2 = −2500 lb/in

• At base (ϕ = π/2): Nϕ = −5000/1 = −5000 lb/in

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Circumferential (Hoop) Force (Nθ )

From the second equilibrium equation and the normal pressure component:
( )
1
Nθ = Rγ − cos ϕ (79)
1 + cos ϕ
Calculation: ( )
1
Nθ = 5000 − cos ϕ lb/in (80)
1 + cos ϕ
( )
1
Nθ = 5000 − cos ϕ lb/in (81)
1 + cos ϕ
Variation with position:
• At apex (ϕ = 0): Nθ = 5000(1/2 − 1) = −2500 lb/in (compression)
• At ϕ ≈ 51.8: Nθ = 0 (transition point)
• At base (ϕ = π/2): Nθ = 5000(1 − 0) = 5000 lb/in (tension)

Step 2: Stress Distribution

Stresses are obtained by dividing forces by thickness.

Meridional Stress (σϕ )

Nϕ
σϕ = (82)
t
Calculation:
−5000/(1 + cos ϕ) 5000
σϕ = =− psi (83)
1 1 + cos ϕ
5000
σϕ = − psi (84)
1 + cos ϕ
Stress values:
• At apex: σϕ = −2500 psi
• At base: σϕ = −5000 psi
• Always compression throughout dome

Circumferential (Hoop) Stress (σθ )

Nθ
σθ = (85)
t
Calculation: ( )
1
σθ = 5000 − cos ϕ psi (86)
1 + cos ϕ
( )
1
σθ = 5000 − cos ϕ psi (87)
1 + cos ϕ
Stress values:
• At apex: σθ = −2500 psi (compression)
• At transition (ϕ ≈ 51.8): σθ = 0 psi
• At base: σθ = 5000 psi (tension)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Step 3: Displacement Distribution

Displacements are found from strain-displacement relations and compatibility.

Meridional Displacement (u)

The meridional displacement is derived by integrating the strain compatibility equation:
[ ∫ ]
sin ϕ Nθ − Nϕ
u= C2 + R dϕ (88)
Et sin ϕ
Step 3.1: Evaluate the integral
The integral of the force difference:
∫ ∫ [ ]
Nθ − N ϕ Rγ 1 1
dϕ = − cos ϕ + dϕ (89)
sin ϕ sin ϕ 1 + cos ϕ 1 + cos ϕ
∫ [ ]
1 2
= Rγ − cos ϕ dϕ (90)
sin ϕ 1 + cos ϕ
This evaluates to:
∫ [ ]
Nθ − Nϕ 1
dϕ = Rγ ln(cos ϕ + 1) − (91)
sin ϕ cos ϕ + 1
Step 3.2: Apply boundary condition
At the roller support (ϕ = π/2), the tangential displacement is zero:

u(π/2) = 0 (92)

At ϕ = π/2: cos ϕ = 0, sin ϕ = 1

This gives:
C2 = Rγ(1 + ν) (93)
Step 3.3: Complete displacement formula
Substituting back:
[ ]
R2 γ(1 + ν) 1
u= sin ϕ 1 + ln(cos ϕ + 1) − (94)
Et cos ϕ + 1
Step 3.4: Calculate numerical coefficient

R2 γ(1 + ν) (50)2 (100)(1.3)

= (95)
Et (107 )(1)
2500 × 100 × 1.3
= (96)
107
325, 000
= (97)
107
= 0.0325 (98)

Final result:
[ ]
1
u = 0.0325 sin ϕ 1 + ln(cos ϕ + 1) − in (99)
cos ϕ + 1

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Radial Displacement (w)

The radial displacement is related to the circumferential strain and meridional displace-
ment:
R
w= (Nθ − νNϕ ) − u cot ϕ (100)
Et
Step 3.5: Calculate strain term

[ ]
R R2 γ 1 1
(Nθ − νNϕ ) = − cos ϕ + ν (101)
Et Et 1 + cos ϕ 1 + cos ϕ
2
[ ]
R γ 1+ν
= − cos ϕ (102)
Et 1 + cos ϕ

Step 3.6: Calculate numerical coefficient

R2 γ (50)2 (100)
= (103)
Et (107 )(1)
250, 000
= (104)
107
= 0.025 (105)

Final result: [ ]
1.3
w = 0.025 − cos ϕ − u cot ϕ in (106)
1 + cos ϕ
where u is given by the previous expression.

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Summary of Results

Quantity Expression
Membrane Forces:
5000
Meridional force Nϕ = − lb/in
1 + cos ϕ
( )
1
Circumferential force Nθ = 5000 − cos ϕ lb/in
1 + cos ϕ
Stresses:
5000
Meridional stress σϕ = − psi
1 + cos ϕ
( )
1
Circumferential stress σθ = 5000 − cos ϕ psi
1 + cos ϕ
Displacements:
[ ]
1
Meridional displacement u = 0.0325 sin ϕ 1 + ln(cos ϕ + 1) − in
cos ϕ + 1
[ ]
1.3
Radial displacement w = 0.025 − cos ϕ − u cot ϕ in
1 + cos ϕ

Table 6: Complete solution for hemispherical dome

Analysis and Discussion

Stress Distribution Characteristics

Location ϕ σϕ (psi) σθ (psi)

Apex 0 −2, 500 −2, 500
Quarter point 30 −3, 165 −830
Transition 51.8 −4, 068 0
Mid-height 60 −4, 472 1, 340
Base 90 −5, 000 5, 000

Table 7: Stress values at key locations

Key Observations
1. Meridional stress:
• Always compressive throughout dome
• Increases from apex to base
• Maximum at base: −5000 psi

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

• Doubles from apex to base

2. Circumferential stress:
• Compressive near apex
• Transitions to tension at ϕ ≈ 51.8
• Maximum tension at base: 5000 psi
• Critical for cracking in concrete domes
3. Stress state transitions:
• Biaxial compression: 0 < ϕ < 51.8
• Meridional compression + hoop tension: 51.8 < ϕ < 90
4. Displacement behavior:
• Meridional: zero at base (boundary condition)
• Radial: outward expansion throughout
• Maximum displacements on order of 0.01-0.03 in

Physical Interpretation
Upper Region (ϕ < 51.8):

• Weight component creates ”arch action”

• Both directions in compression (like compression ring)
• Self-supporting through compression
• Ideal for unreinforced materials (masonry, concrete)

Lower Region (ϕ > 51.8):

• Hoop tension develops

• Requires tensile capacity or reinforcement
• Critical region for cracking
• May need tension ring at base

Design Implications
1. Material selection:
• Concrete domes: Need reinforcement below 51.8
• Steel domes: Can handle tension, check buckling in compression
• Masonry: Limit to upper portion or add tension ring
2. Support conditions:
• Roller support allows radial expansion (assumed here)
• Fixed support would induce additional bending moments
• Tension ring often provided at base to resist hoop tension
3. Reinforcement:
• Meridional: throughout dome (compression)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

• Circumferential: required below transition point (tension)

• Concentrated at base (maximum hoop tension)
4. Stability:
• Check meridional compression buckling
• Critical near base where σϕ maximum
• Use t/R ratio appropriate for stability

Comparison with Classical Examples

Pantheon Dome (Rome):

• Hemispherical concrete dome (R ≈ 21.5 m)

• Understands compression zone principle
• Oculus at top reduces weight in compression zone
• Has survived 2000 years

Modern Applications:

• Concrete storage tanks and reactor containments

• Steel pressure vessel heads
• Architectural domes and stadiums
• Space structures and habitats

Limitations of Membrane Solution

1. Boundary effects:
• Cannot satisfy moment boundary conditions
• Bending near supports if not truly ”roller”
√
• Edge zone extends ∼ Rt from base
2. Geometric nonlinearity:
• Large displacements may require nonlinear analysis
• Membrane solution assumes small deflections
3. Material nonlinearity:
• Cracking in concrete changes stiffness
• Plasticity in steel at high stresses
4. Load cases not covered:
• Wind loading (asymmetric)
• Snow accumulation (non-uniform)
• Seismic forces (dynamic)
• Temperature gradients (thermal stresses)

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Problem 4 Horizontal Cylindrical Tank Analysis

Validation Checks
Equilibrium verification: At any section, check force equilibrium:

2πR sin ϕ · Nϕ = Weight above section (107)

Boundary conditions:

• u(π/2) = 0 ✓(satisfied by construction)

• Nϕ continuous throughout ✓
• No vertical reaction at roller support ✓

Physical reasonableness:

• Stresses proportional to loading ✓

• Maximum stress at base (maximum load) ✓
• Displacements small compared to radius ✓
• Hoop tension only in lower region ✓

Conclusion
The membrane analysis of a hemispherical dome under self-weight reveals:

• Stress distribution: Meridional compression throughout, circumferential transi-

tions from compression to tension at 51.8
• Maximum stresses: σϕ = −5000 psi and σθ = 5000 psi at base
• Critical region: Lower portion below transition point requires tensile capacity
• Displacements: Small (order of 0.01-0.03 in), with zero tangential displacement
at roller support

The solution provides essential guidance for dome design, particularly highlighting the
need for reinforcement or tension rings in the lower regions where hoop tension develops.
The membrane theory is adequate for preliminary design and stress analysis away from
support regions.

18