Design of flat ends

Though the fabrication cost is low, flat ends are not a structurally efficient form, and very thick plates would be required for high pressures or large diameters. 

The design equations used to determine the thickness of flat ends are based on the analysis of stresses in flat plates Section 13.3.5. 

The thickness required will depend on the degree of constraint at the plate periphery. The minimum thickness required is given by  

Values for the design constant Cp and the nominal plate diameter De are given in the design codes and standards for various arrangements of flat end closures. 

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