1. What is Hoop Stress?

Hoop stress is the circumferential stress in a cylindrical or spherical object subjected to internal or external pressure. It is a critical parameter in pressure vessel design and structural engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hoop stress formula:

Where:

• \( \sigma \) — Hoop stress (Pa)
• \( P \) — Internal pressure (Pa)
• \( D \) — Diameter of the cylinder (m)
• \( t \) — Wall thickness (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the stress acting circumferentially around the cylinder when pressure is applied from inside.

3. Importance of Hoop Stress Calculation

Details: Accurate hoop stress calculation is crucial for designing safe pressure vessels, piping systems, and storage tanks that can withstand internal pressures without failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pressure in Pascals (Pa), diameter in meters (m), and thickness in meters (m). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between hoop stress and longitudinal stress?
A: Hoop stress acts circumferentially around the cylinder, while longitudinal stress acts along the length of the cylinder.

Q2: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula applies to thin-walled pressure vessels where the wall thickness is less than 1/10 of the diameter.

Q3: What safety factors should be considered?
A: Engineering designs typically include safety factors of 2-4 times the calculated stress, depending on the application and material properties.

Q4: How does material strength affect the calculation?
A: The calculated stress must be compared to the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the material to ensure safety.

Q5: Can this formula be used for external pressure?
A: While the formula is similar, buckling becomes a significant concern with external pressure, requiring additional analysis.