The experimental studies presented here were undertaken in an effort to determine the stress distribution in two circular cylinders intersecting at right angles and under internal pressure. The investigation was limited to tests of two specimens in the thick-walled cylinder range.
The experimental analysis led to the following conclusions:
1. The highest stress concentrations are located at an angle of about 14.5 degrees from the crotch centerline measured in the plane of the intersection.
2. The critical stress causing rupture is the tangential stress in the plane of the ellipse.
3. For the R/t ratios tested, the strength reduction as compared with a straight closed cylinder is approximately 50%.
4. It appears probable that bending effects for these thick-walled cylinders are of relatively minor importance.