Finite Element Analysis of Membrane for LNG Storage Tank

액화천연가스 저장탱크용 멤브레인의 유한요소해석

This paper analyzes the behaviors of corrugated membrane under the cryogenic liquid pressure and thermal loading using the FEM analysis program MARC. The FEM calculations were carried out on the basis of measured data of Technigaz membrane. It is very important to know the concentration levels and distributions of stress in the corrugated membrane. A quarter of the membrane sheet in place of the whole membrane was simulated because of its geometric symmetricity. The calculated results of the concentrated stress showed that the maximum stress occurs at the knot parts and at the root corner radius of the corrugations. The FEM calculated results indicated that the ring knot membrane which was developed in this study showed uniformly distributed stress and the lowest stress levels in the cross knot area in comparison with other two membranes. These results are very important to optimize the shape and improve the safety of membrane structure.