The two levels strength design methodology is presented. First the optimal main vessel dimensions and overlaps, resp. ribbon prestressing are assessed utilising the simplified geometrical and material model, namely the equivalent cylindrical compound vessel and linear elastic material. On the second computational level the more precise stress and strain analysis is performed with the help of problem oriented finite element method (FEM) code PROKOP, taking into account the nonstationary temperature field, elastic-plastic material behaviour, crack presence etc. and also the whole loading history including the assembly and disassembly process. The strength condition for sintered carbide WC-Co in the form of modified brittle fracture criterion was utilised and mixed computational-experimental approach for the low cycle lifetime determination has been proposed.