Abstract
The subject of this paper is testing of complex geometrical structures, i.e. stress analysis of a pipe branch model of A6 third pipeline at Hydropower Plant Perucica, Niksic. Analysis of pipe branch model stress distribution was carried out by using finite element method and experimental methods. Finite element method defined 3D pipe branch model. Numerical calculation defined critical locations on model, i.e. locations with the greatest stress concentration. Strain gauges were placed on identified critical locations. Measured stress values confirmed values obtained by using numerical calculation. Experimental measurements were also taken by using new digital image correlation (DIC) method. DIC method is an optical non-contact method that can provide full 3D stress field and enables better understanding of complex structures such as pipe branches. The aim of this paper was to determine stress concentration factor for the pipe branch model by using numerical and experimental analysis.
Highlights
Geometrical shapes of pressure equipment range from very simple to very complex, where geometrical complexity of the equipment produces locations with large geometrical discontinuities, resulting in stress concentration
This paper shows stress distribution analysis of a pipe branch model of A6 third pipeline at Hydropower Plant Perućica that is subjected to internal pressure, and this paper gives the following conclusions:
Location with the greatest stress concentration was determined by finite element method (FEM)
Summary
Geometrical shapes of pressure equipment range from very simple (e.g. a pipe) to very complex, where geometrical complexity of the equipment produces locations with large geometrical discontinuities, resulting in stress concentration. In order to validate integrity of real structures, such as pressure vessels, pipe branches and boiler structures, with the aim of easier, subsequent monitoring of behaviour of used structures, it is necessary to perform different types of analysis dependent on the criticality, design code and load cases [1÷4]. The subject of this paper is the analysis of stress distribution of the pipe branch model subjected to internal pressure. Pipe branch designing process requires solving many problems: pipe branch shape, choice of materials, strength calculation, cost-effectiveness and reliability. Many authors researched and analysed stress distribution of pressure vessels or pipelines, i.e. pipe branches subjected to different load types: internal pressure or combined load composed of internal pressure, axial forces and bending moments [5÷8]. In papers [7] and [8], the authors studied limit load solutions for branch connections (with straight branch to run angles) under different loads
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