What impacts the total pressure on a boiler's shell?

The total pressure on a boiler's shell is significantly influenced by the diameter of the boiler. The diameter affects the overall surface area of the boiler, which in turn affects how the internal pressure is distributed across the shell. A larger diameter means a greater area for the pressure to act upon, requiring careful consideration in the design and material selection to ensure the boiler can safely handle the pressures it will encounter during operation.

The thickness of each plate, while important for structural integrity and the ability to withstand internal pressure, does not directly influence the total pressure as measured inside the boiler. The type of joints used is critical for the safety and reliability of the construction but is more about connections and sealing than internal pressure dynamics. Similarly, the material of the boiler provides essential details about the strength and failure resistance due to operational pressures, but the diameter is the primary factor affecting the distribution of that pressure across the boiler shell.