A Comparison of Failure Load Assessment Methods for Thin-Walled Tubes With Cracks

Author(s):  
Hyun Su Kim ◽  
Chang Kyun Oh ◽  
Tae Eun Jin

Heat exchangers in fossil and nuclear power plants comprise thousands of thin-walled tubes. Operational experience shows that cracks have been frequently detected in the tubes. Since the structural integrity of the heat exchangers is crucial from the viewpoint of safety and reliability, the integrity evaluation of the cracked tubes is quite important. The failure modes of the cracked tubes are determined herein in accordance with Section XI of ASME Code. In addition, failure loads are evaluated using various methods and compared with test data in order to determine an optimum estimation method. The analysis results show that the failure mode of the cracked tubes is plastic collapse. Also, the predicted failure loads by finite element limit analyses agree very well with the corresponding test data, whereas the analytical approaches are significantly under predictive depending on the crack type and size. It is, therefore, considered that the finite element limit load approach can be applied to the practical integrity evaluation and the establishment of an optimum inspection strategy for managing the heat exchanger tubes.

2015 ◽  
Vol 712 ◽  
pp. 63-68
Author(s):  
Przemysław Osocha ◽  
Bohdan Węglowski

In some coal-fired power plants, pipeline elements have worked for over 200 000 hours and increased number of failures is observed. The paper discuses thermal wear processes that take place in those elements and lead to rupture. Mathematical model based on creep test data, and describing creep processes for analyzed material, has been developed. Model has been verified for pipeline operating temperature, lower than tests temperature, basing on Larson-Miller relation. Prepared model has been used for thermal-strength calculations based on a finite element method. Processes taking place inside of element and leading to its failure has been described. Than, basing on prepared mathematical creep model and FE model introduced to Ansys program further researches are made. Analysis of dimensions and shape of pipe junction and its influence on operational element lifetime is presented. In the end multi variable dependence of temperature, steam pressure and element geometry is shown, allowing optimization of process parameters in function of required operational time or maximization of steam parameters. The article presents wide range of methods. The creep test data were recalculated for operational temperature using Larson-Miller parameter. The creep strain were modelled, used equations and their parameters are presented. Analysis of errors were conducted. Geometry of failing pipe junction was introduced to the Ansys program and the finite element analysis of creep process were conducted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
A. Y. Elruby ◽  
Sam Nakhla ◽  
A. Hussein

The eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) is a versatile method for solving crack propagation problems. Meanwhile, XFEM predictions for crack onset and propagation rely on the stress field which tends to converge at a slower rate than that of displacements, making it challenging to capture critical load at crack onset accurately. Furthermore, identifying the critical region(s) for XFEM nodal enrichments is user-dependent. The identification process can be straightforward for small-scale test specimen while in other cases such as complex structures it can be unmanageable. In this work a novel approach is proposed with three major objectives; (1) alleviate user-dependency; (2) enhance predictions accuracy; (3) minimize computational effort. An automatic critical region(s) identification based on material selected failure criterion is developed. Moreover, the approach enables the selection of optimized mesh necessary for accurate prediction of failure loads at crack initiation. Also, optimal enrichment zone size determination is automated. The proposed approach was developed as an iterative algorithm and implemented in ABAQUS using Python scripting. The proposed algorithm was validated against our test data of unnotched specimens and relevant test data from the literature. The results of the predicted loads/displacements at failure are in excellent agreement with measurements. Crack onset locations were in very good agreement with observations from testing. Finally, the proposed algorithm has shown a significant enhancement in the overall computational efficiency compared to the conventional XFEM. The proposed algorithm can be easily implemented into user-built or commercial finite element codes.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 601-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debasis Das Adhikary ◽  
Goutam Kumar Bose ◽  
Dipankar Bose ◽  
Souren Mitra

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a multi criterion failure mode effect and criticality analysis for coal-fired thermal power plants using uncertain data as well as substituting the traditional risk priority number estimation method. Design/methodology/approach – Grey-complex proportional assessment (COPRAS-G) method, a multi criteria decision making tool is applied to evaluate the criticalities of the failure modes (alternatives). In this model the criteria (criticality factor) against each alternative are expressed in grey number instead of crisp values. Findings – Rupture failure of the straight tube of economizer (ECO) due to erosion is the highest critical failure mode whereas rupture failure of the stub of ECO due to welding defect is the lowest critical failure mode. Originality/value – This paper incorporates human and environmental factors as additional factors which also influence the failure modes significantly. The COPRAS-G method is modified according this problem. Uncertainty in the scoring of criticality factors against each failure mode by various maintenance personnel is expressed in grey numbers.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 4820
Author(s):  
Salman Pervaiz ◽  
Wael A. Samad

In drilling operations, cutting forces are one of the major machinability indicators that contribute significantly towards the deviations in workpiece form and surface tolerances. The ability to predict and model forces in such operations is also essential as the cutting forces play a key role in the induced vibrations and wear on the cutting tool. More specifically, Inconel 718—a nickel-based super alloy that is primarily used in the construction of jet engine turbines, nuclear reactors, submarines and steam power plants—is the workpiece material used in the work presented here. In this study, both mechanistic and finite element models were developed. The finite element model uses the power law that has the ability to incorporate strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity as well as thermal softening phenomena in the workpiece materials. The model was validated by comparing it against an analytical mechanistic model that considers the three drilling stages associated with the drilling operation on a workpiece containing a pilot hole. Both analytical and FE models were compared and the results were found to be in good agreement at different cutting speeds and feed rates. Comparing the average forces of stage II and stage III of the two approaches revealed a discrepancy of 11% and 7% at most. This study can be utilized in various virtual drilling scenarios to investigate the influence of different process and geometric parameters.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2B) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanderley Vasconcelos ◽  
Wellington Antonio Soares ◽  
Raissa Oliveira Marques ◽  
Silvério Ferreira Silva Jr ◽  
Amanda Laureano Raso

Non-destructive inspection (NDI) is one of the key elements in ensuring quality of engineering systems and their safe use. This inspection is a very complex task, during which the inspectors have to rely on their sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor skills. It requires high vigilance once it is often carried out on large components, over a long period of time, and in hostile environments and restriction of workplace. A successful NDI requires careful planning, choice of appropriate NDI methods and inspection procedures, as well as qualified and trained inspection personnel. A failure of NDI to detect critical defects in safety-related components of nuclear power plants, for instance, may lead to catastrophic consequences for workers, public and environment. Therefore, ensuring that NDI is reliable and capable of detecting all critical defects is of utmost importance. Despite increased use of automation in NDI, human inspectors, and thus human factors, still play an important role in NDI reliability. Human reliability is the probability of humans conducting specific tasks with satisfactory performance. Many techniques are suitable for modeling and analyzing human reliability in NDI of nuclear power plant components, such as FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) and THERP (Technique for Human Error Rate Prediction). An example by using qualitative and quantitative assessesments with these two techniques to improve typical NDI of pipe segments of a core cooling system of a nuclear power plant, through acting on human factors issues, is presented.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Abambres ◽  
Dinar Camotim ◽  
Miguel Abambres

A 2nd order inelastic Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) formulation based on the J2 flow theory is proposed, being a promising alternative to the shell finite element method. Its application is illustrated for an I-section beam and a lipped-C column. GBT results were validated against ABAQUS, namely concerning equilibrium paths, deformed configurations, and displacement profiles. It was concluded that the GBT modal nature allows (i) precise results with only 22% of the number of dof required in ABAQUS, as well as (ii) the understanding (by means of modal participation diagrams) of the behavioral mechanics in any elastoplastic stage of member deformation .


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Abambres

Original Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) formulations for elastoplastic first and second order (postbuckling) analyses of thin-walled members are proposed, based on the J2 theory with associated flow rule, and valid for (i) arbitrary residual stress and geometric imperfection distributions, (ii) non-linear isotropic materials (e.g., carbon/stainless steel), and (iii) arbitrary deformation patterns (e.g., global, local, distortional, shear). The cross-section analysis is based on the formulation by Silva (2013), but adopts five types of nodal degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) – one of them (warping rotation) is an innovation of present work and allows the use of cubic polynomials (instead of linear functions) to approximate the warping profiles in each sub-plate. The formulations are validated by presenting various illustrative examples involving beams and columns characterized by several cross-section types (open, closed, (un) branched), materials (bi-linear or non-linear – e.g., stainless steel) and boundary conditions. The GBT results (equilibrium paths, stress/displacement distributions and collapse mechanisms) are validated by comparison with those obtained from shell finite element analyses. It is observed that the results are globally very similar with only 9% and 21% (1st and 2nd order) of the d.o.f. numbers required by the shell finite element models. Moreover, the GBT unique modal nature is highlighted by means of modal participation diagrams and amplitude functions, as well as analyses based on different deformation mode sets, providing an in-depth insight on the member behavioural mechanics in both elastic and inelastic regimes.


Alloy Digest ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  

Abstract AL 29-4C is a highly corrosion resistant alloy with a relatively high strength. This combination allows the use of lighter gage tubes, and has led to its use in the brine heat exchangers of geothermal power plants. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as forming and joining. Filing Code: SS-554. Producer or source: Allegheny Ludlum Corporation.


Author(s):  
Nicholas Haritos ◽  
Anil Hira ◽  
Priyan Mendis ◽  
Rob Heywood ◽  
Armando Giufre

VicRoads, the road authority for the state of Victoria, Australia, has been undertaking extensive research into the load capacity and performance of cast-in-place reinforced concrete flat slab bridges. One of the key objectives of this research is the development of analytical tools that can be used to better determine the performance of these bridges under loadings to the elastic limit and subsequently to failure. The 59-year-old Barr Creek Bridge, a flat slab bridge of four short continuous spans over column piers, was made available to VicRoads in aid of this research. The static testing program executed on this bridge was therefore aimed at providing a comprehensive set of measurements of its response to serviceability level loadings and beyond. This test program was preceded by the performance of a dynamic test (a simplified experimental modal analysis using vehicular excitation) to establish basic structural properties of the bridge (effective flexural rigidity, EI) and the influence of the abutment supports from identification of its dynamic modal characteristics. The dynamic test results enabled a reliably tuned finite element model of the bridge in its in-service condition to be produced for use in conjunction with the static testing program. The results of the static testing program compared well with finite element modeling predictions in both the elastic range (serviceability loadings) and the nonlinear range (load levels taken to incipient collapse). Observed collapse failure modes and corresponding collapse load levels were also found to be predicted well using yield line theory.


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