Stress analysis of large crude oil storage tank subjected to harmonic settlement

Differential settlement has a significant effect on the safe operation of tanks. In order to investigate the stress response of crude oil storage tank subjected to harmonic settlement. A numerical simulation model of the steel storage tank was developed in this study. Based on a validated finite element model, parametric analysis was conducted based on the main factors. The results show that the stress at the top of the tank wall is symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the tank. The stress result increases linearly with the increasing harmonic amplitude. The axial stress increases firstly, and then decreases for large wave number. Meanwhile, The stress value increases with the increment of the height-to-radius ratio, and decreases with the increment of the radius-to-thickness ratio. Especially, when the height-to-radius ratio ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 or the ratio r/t is more than 1500, the tendency of stress variation is slighter. This study could be referenced in strength or safety assessment of crude oil storage tank subjected to harmonic settlement.