scope:

Frequently pressure vessels are subjected to a proof test for the purpose of establishing a safe allowable working pressure. Various techniques are commonly employed. They include the use of electric resistance strain gages, brittle lacquer, deflection dial indicators, or a combination thereof. In addition, a test to destruction is often used for the purpose of establishing a safe working pressure.The purpose of this paper is not to investigate the adequacy of the numerous tests for evaluating a safe working pressure but to analyze the significance of the data thus obtained. For simplicity the discussion is limited to unaxial and biaxial states of stress only.