The Boeing Company
Structural joint of two load carrying walls of a pressurized vessel

Abstract:

Disclosed herein is a structure that comprises a tank including an outer cylindrical surface and a domed end. The structure also comprises a tank skirt positioned circumferentially around the tank. A wall of the tank and a wall of the tank skirt form two sides of a y-joint between the tank and the tank skirt. The y-joint includes a wedge structure positioned between the tank and the tank skirt. Additionally, a thickness of at least one of the wall of the tank or the wall of the tank skirt forming the y-joint tapers such that the thickness of the at least one of the wall of the tank or the wall of the tank skirt that tapers has a greater thickness at the y-joint than away from the y-joint.