[Steam-engine] lap seam boiler preshure

[HISTMACHRY at aol.com]

Chas,

To determine the working pressure of the shell we need; the tensile strength 
of the material, the efficiency of the seam, min. thickness of the shell, 
inside dia, and a factor of safety value.

To specifically determine the efficiency of the riveted seam, we need to know 
the rivet dia and pitch of rivets, and the configuration of the seam (how 
many rows of rivets). Some states use a standard efficiency for each type of 
seam, I believe this makes to many assumptions! 

To determine the working pressure of the boiler, you  also need to analyze 
all of the boiler components. The weakest part then determines the working 
pressure. 

Robert