Shape optimization of thin‐walled pressure vessel end closures

In this paper the problem of shape optimization of thin‐walled pressure vessel heads is investigated. Shape of a meridian which minimizes the functional containing a depth and capacity of a vessel closure is sought. The meridian is approximated either by the convex Bézier polynomial or by functions with free parameters. Domes consisting of both two‐ and one‐arc are considered. The optimal solutions are obtained using the simulated annealing algorithm.