Pressure Vessel FEA Checklist
Checklist for pressure vessel FEA — model setup, element selection, mesh, loads, boundary conditions, material, solving and post-processing.
Model setup
- Analysis objective clearly defined
- Idealisation matched to objective (axisymmetric, shell, solid, submodel)
- Symmetry used only where valid
- Sufficient model extent for stress decay
Elements and mesh
- Element type appropriate (shell for thin, solid for thick/junctions)
- Mesh refined at discontinuities and critical locations
- At least 4-5 elements through wall at assessment points
- Mesh convergence demonstrated
- No distorted or poorly shaped elements at critical regions
Loads
- Pressure applied to correct (wetted) surface
- Element normals checked for correct pressure direction
- End-cap pressure included or equivalent axial force applied
- Piping loads applied at nozzle flange face
- Thermal loads applied if relevant
- Load combinations defined
Boundary conditions
- Supports modelled with realistic stiffness
- No over-constraint
- Symmetry conditions valid for the loading
- No artificial restraints
Material
- Material grade confirmed
- Properties at design temperature
- Nonlinear material model used if stresses exceed yield
Post-processing
- Stress linearisation performed at critical locations
- SCLs perpendicular to surfaces
- Singularities identified and handled
- Stress classification applied correctly
- Margins of safety calculated