Limit Analysis for Anisotropic Solids Using Variational Principle and Repeated Elastic Finite Element Analyses

Author(s):  
L. Pan ◽  
R. Seshadri

Many structural components, such as rolled sheets, directionally solidified superalloys and composites, are made of anisotropic materials. The knowledge of limit load is useful in the design and the sizing of these components and structures. This paper presents the extension of the modified mα-method to anisotropic materials. Mura’s variational principle is employed in conjunction with repeated elastic finite element analyses (FEA). The secant modulus of the discretized finite elements in the reference direction in successive elastic iterations is used to estimate the plastic flow parameter for the anisotropic components. The modified initial elastic properties are adopted to ensure the “elastic” stress fields satisfy the anisotropic yield surface. Using the notion of “leap-frogging” to limit state, improved lower-bound limit loads can be obtained. The formulation is applied to two anisotropic components, and the limit load estimates are compared with those using elastic compensation method and inelastic FEA.

2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Pan ◽  
R. Seshadri

The procedures described in this paper for determining a limit load is based on Mura’s extended variational formulation. Used in conjunction with linear elastic finite element analyses, the approach provides a robust method to estimate limit loads of mechanical components and structures. The secant modulus of the various elements in a finite element discretization scheme is prescribed in order to simulate the distributed effect of the plastic flow parameter, μ0. The upper and lower-bound multipliers m0 and m′ obtained using this formulation converge to near exact values. By using the notion of “leap-frogging” to limit state, an improved lower-bound multiplier, mα, can be obtained. The condition for which mα is a reasonable lower bound is discussed in this paper. The method is applied to component configurations such as cylinder, torispherical head, indeterminate beam, and a cracked specimen.


Author(s):  
Prasad Mangalaramanan

This paper demonstrates the limitations of repeated elastic finite element analyses (REFEA) based limit load determination that uses the classical lower bound theorem. The r-node method is prescribed as an alternative for obtaining better limit load estimates. Lower bound aspects pertaining to r-nodes are also discussed.


Author(s):  
Phuong H. Hoang ◽  
Bostjan Bezensek ◽  
Howard J. Rathbun

Finite element analyses (FEA) have been used to study the effects of multi-axial loadings on bending limit load of local wall thinned pipes. It has been shown by investigators that torsion can be combined with bending moments using SRSS (Square Root of the Sum of the Squares) method for planar flaws with a limited axial extent. The treatment of torsion for non-planar flaws, which exceed the axial extent limit, will be a subject for future investigations. Since the reported FEA results are for various pipe sizes, flaw shapes with different mesh sizes, element types and computer codes, a set of benchmark problems was proposed and analyzed by participating investigators. The benchmark analysis results are presented in this paper.


Author(s):  
T. Sriskandarajah ◽  
Venu Rao

Accurate determination of residual ovality is an important parameter for a successful deployment of single pipeline and pipe-in-pipe in deep waters wherein the integrity of empty pipes during installation depends upon the collapse resistance under external hydrostatic pressure. The reel-lay process of installation during which pipeline undergoes multiple strain cycles due to spooling, reeling and straightening has a significant bearing on pipe ovalisation and hence accurate determination residual ovality at the end of straightening process is one of the key inputs. It is industry practice to use numerical finite element analysis techniques to predict residual ovality of pipelines as full scale testing is expensive and time consuming. In view of the importance of residual ovality on the pipeline integrity particularly for deepwater applications, an integrated approach of testing and finite element simulation have been used to identify the correct numerical model that predicts residual ovality accurately. This paper discusses the full scale tests performed which include material testing and bend tests performed to simulate spooling and straightening process and the pipeline deformations recorded using laser measurements at different cycles of bending process. The paper presents a brief summary of numerical finite element analyses performed to validate the test results and the effect of element types and material models used in the finite element analyses on the predictability of residual ovality. The material evolution models and their effect on the predictability of remaining ovality are discussed in the paper. Comparisons are made on the predictive residual ovality for reel lay process on single pipe and pipe-in-pipe. The effect of residual ovality on the pipeline integrity for the lateral buckling limit state under combined bending and external pressure are discussed in the paper.


Author(s):  
Saeid Hadidi-Moud ◽  
David John Smith

Reliable limit load estimations for thick walled pressurized cylinders containing defects are required for the assessment of integrity of structures that experience significant plastic deformation prior to failure. Analytical and finite element analyses of limit load in thick walled cylinders containing defects are presented in this paper. FE analyses were conducted to obtain estimates of the limit state of loading for a range of combined loading schemes and loading sequences for open-end and closed-end cylinder. Part through shallow and deep hoop cracks in the cylinder for uniform radial, uniform axial and combined loading were examined. The results suggest that adjustments to the estimates of limit loads obtained from conventional methods reported in literature are needed in order to reflect the role of material response, crack configuration and boundary conditions on the limit loads of defected thick walled pipes and cylinders. These findings are very important and should be noted carefully, especially in the context of treatment of hoop and axial residual stresses in the integrity assessment of pipelines containing part through cracks.


Author(s):  
Yasumi Kitajima ◽  
Satoru Shibata

We conducted the limit state tests of cylindrical shells to establish criteria for the occurrence of steel wall/liner tearing in the reactor containment vessels (such as Steel Containment Vessels (SCV), Prestressed Concrete Containment Vessels (PCCV) and Reinforced Concrete Containment Vessels (RCCV)) under the limit state pressure. In the tests, precisely manufactured cylindrical shell vessels (about 800 mm in height and 300 mm in diameter) were pressurized to the failure using water. We also conducted the finite element analyses. The conclusions are as follows: 1. We obtained good agreement (within 2–3%) between the tests and the analyses in structural behavior such as internal pressure loading vs. displacement and strain to the failure. However, in the case of the test piece which included weld line on the cylindrical wall, the difference between the tests and the analyses was larger (about 1.5 times) than the rest. 2. The localized strains began to increase when radial strains in general structure reached 5–10%. We are intended to apply these results to the finite element analyses and the integrity evaluation of containment vessels (SCV, PCCV and RCCV).


2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Koutsolelos

In this paper, structural integrity of ship structures is discussed using Finite Element analyses. Buckling behaviors of shell structural components are investigated taking into account geometric and material nonlinearities. Recommendations are made to Naval Architects based on tools developed throughout the research.


2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 595-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. J Hardy ◽  
A. R Gowhari-Anaraki ◽  
M. K Pipelzadeh

In this paper, the elastic compensation method proposed by Mackenzie and Boyle is used to estimate the upper and lower bound limit (collapse) loads and the upper and lower bound shakedown loads for hollow tubes with axisymmetric internal projections subjected to axial loading. The method is based on an iterative elastic analysis procedure and the application of lower and upper bound limit load theorems. Four different geometries with a range of stress concentration factors (from low to high) are considered. Elastic-plastic finite element predictions for collapse and shakedown pressure are found to be within these upper and lower bound estimates. The method is particularly useful because it is founded on an iterative elastic approach and does not require extensive and complex elastic-plastic finite element computations.


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