EXTERNAL PRESSURE VESSEL FRAMING

摘要

The present invention relates to a structural form consisting of a hollow member (48) with alternate convex (32) and unstiffened concave (34) surfaces and an internal framing arrangement (36) required to support such a structure such that it is capable of resisting external pressure. This structural configuration reduces the weight and simplifies the construction of such structures in relation to conventional stiffened fixed curvature cylindrical external pressure vessels. Use of such forms is envisaged particularly where external pressure is the dominant loading, for example in the offshore marine and subsea environments.