non-uniform pressure on a flange

[chathamtom]

I'm analyzing a spool, and would like to load the flange with a pressure starting at 70 psi, reducing to 0 psi at the end of the flange. Is it possible to use a polar coordinate system to define the load? If not, does anyone have any idea what the cartesian equation would look like?

 

[jte]

By "spool" do you mean a piping spool? If so, I'm really confused as to what physical reality you are trying to model. Can you give us a bit more description on your problem? Weld neck flange? LWN? Which "end of the flange" does the pressure go to zero on? Why is your pressure varying from 70 psi to 0 psi over the length of a flange?

Just can't imagine a piping flange where I'd prefer to use a spherical coordinate system...

jt

 

[chathamtom]

Hi JTE - thanks for the reply. It's actually closer to a thread spool. The pressure on the flanges is created by the wound thread, which is why it's highest near the barrel and lowest at the edge. Sorry I wasn't clear.

I actually figured this out since I wrote, but thanks again for looking at it.

 

[jte]

All a matter of perspective! Clearly I have a pressure vessels and piping bias. An interesting problem, to be sure. Glad you figured it out.

jt