3.

0 DISCUSSION
At the end of investigation through the determination for the
variation of Hoop and radial stress from the inner to outer radius of
the thick cylinder I have been able to make a number of inferences
which include:
First of all there are difference between my Experimental
(Graphical) and Theoretical (Calculated) values of hoop and
radial stress which should have been the same. This is as a
result of errors in the experiment process such as

Human factor that is error as a result of human

imperfection/ mistakes.
Equipment error in the form of improper/ Lack of correct
calibration and maintenance of the data logger and Digital
Dial Test Indicator.
Inconsistent application of lubricant (oil) with the oiler and
addition of too much pressure from the hydraulic ram
during the experiment.
Errors can result from Inaccurate zeroing of the Digital Dial
Test Indicator and data logger and just before reading were
taken especially from the digital dial test indicator.
Improper installation/setup of the apparatus such that it is

not securely fixed and stable to prevent unwanted

movement of the apparatus during the experiment
process and lead to an inability of attaining accurate
results.

From the graph (11 and 12) and table (6 and 7) of radial and
hoop strain against the penetration, it can be seen that as the
depth of penetration increases, that is the more the tapered
plug penetrated the cylinder, the value of the hoop and radial

strain

increase

accordingly

but

this

increase

in

plug

penetration has no relation/ effect on the internal pressure.

In addition, from the graph(6 - 10) of hoop and radial stresses
against radius theres a noticeable increase in the hoop and
radial stress as the lines rise in the positive direction and
negative

direction

respectively

as

the

radius

increases

confirming that there is an increase hoop and radial stress with

penetration depth and internal pressure increases.
Consequently the radial stress is found to be the greatest amount at
the inner radius while it is least at the outer radius. This is confirmed
to be synonymous with Lames theorem of boundary conditions
which state that:

At the internal radius: Ri = - P (maximum stress equal to the

internal pressure)
ii. At the external radius: Ro = 0 (minimum stress equal to zero
i.

Also form the table showing the summary of results for A and B
from the graphs (1 5) and theoretical calculations, A and B
can be seen to increase accordingly as the depth of
penetration increased indicating a similar trend despite the
differences in values of A and B in both cases due to unwanted
experimental errors.
A useful application of this experiment is in the distribution of
product (oil, gas etc) under high pressure or in the case of pipelines
passing through populated (urban) areas such as cities, towns,
residential areas etc because they ensure safety by protecting
against leakages and ruptures due to mechanical impact, overhead
soil movement and internal pressure in the pipe compared to thin
cylinders. Also in the gas industry, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is

stored and transported using thick cylinders as they have the ability
to withstand high pressure and impact.
Despite the errors in the experiment, more accuracy can be
obtained by taking precautions which include repeated reading can
be taken and average values from the data logger determined,
zeroing the digital dial indicator accurately before reading are taken
and ensuring proper lubrication and pressure from the hydraulic ram
during the experiment.