What is Hoop Stress?

Hoop stress, also known as circumferential stress, is a force exerted circumferentially in both directions on every particle in the cylinder or sphere wall. It is particularly important in the design and analysis of pressure vessels, pipes, and tanks that contain pressurized fluids or gases. Hoop stress is crucial for determining the strength and safety of these structures, as it helps engineers calculate the maximum allowable pressure and required wall thickness to prevent failure.

How to Use the Hoop Stress Calculator

Step 1: Select the Vessel Type

Choose between “Cylinder” or “Sphere” from the dropdown menu, depending on the shape of your pressure vessel.

Step 2: Choose the Wall Type

Select either “Thin-walled” or “Thick-walled” based on your vessel’s characteristics. Generally, if the wall thickness is less than 1/10 of the vessel’s radius, it’s considered thin-walled.

Step 3: Enter the Internal Pressure

Input the internal pressure of your vessel in megapascals (MPa).

Step 4: Provide the Diameter

Enter the diameter of your vessel in millimeters (mm). For cylinders, this is typically the inner diameter.

Step 5: Input the Wall Thickness

Enter the wall thickness of your vessel in millimeters (mm).

Step 6: Additional Input for Thick-Walled Vessels

If you selected “Thick-walled” in Step 2, an additional field for the outer diameter will appear. Enter this value in millimeters (mm).

Step 7: Calculate the Hoop Stress

Click the “Calculate Hoop Stress” button to obtain your results.

Step 8: Interpret the Results

The calculator will display the calculated hoop stress in MPa, along with a brief explanation of the formula used. This information can help you assess the structural integrity of your pressure vessel and make informed design decisions.