A Variational Semi-Analytical Approach for Efficient Analysis of Multilayer Discrete-Jacketed Cylindrical Vessels

Abstract

Discrete jacket structures have been increasingly applied in high-pressure vessels to achieve thermal–mechanical decoupling under extreme operating conditions. In this study, a multilayer discrete-jacketed configuration is proposed for warm isostatic pressing (WIP) systems, where the discrete jackets are introduced to provide independent thermal management and structural load-bearing functions. However, the complex mechanical response introduced by discrete jacket configurations remains difficult to effectively characterize through conventional analytical formulations. This study proposes a variational energy-based semi-analytical framework for the efficient analysis of multilayer wire-wound cylindrical vessels with discrete jackets. By treating the discrete jacket regions as equivalent cylindrical layers with zero hoop stress, the mechanical response of multilayer structures subjected to internal and external pressures is formulated through an energy minimization approach. A semi-analytical procedure is developed to obtain the stiffness matrix and equivalent load vector from the energy functional, and the framework is further extended to evaluate sequential wire-winding processes through compensated stepwise winding stresses. Finite element simulations demonstrate good agreement between the proposed framework and numerical results in predicting stress distributions. The developed framework provides an efficient tool for the analysis and design of complex multilayer prestressed vessels with discrete jacket configurations.