Multisensor Degradation Data Fusion and Remaining Life Prediction

Multiple sensors are commonly used for degradation monitoring. Since different sensors may be sensitive at different stages of the degradation process and each sensor data contain only partial information of the degraded unit, data fusion approaches that integrate degradation data from multiple sensors can effectively improve degradation modeling and life prediction accuracy. We present a non-parametric approach that assigns weights to each sensor based on dynamic clustering of the sensors observations. A case study that involves a fatigue-crack-growth dataset is implemented in order evaluate the prognostic performance of the unit. Results show that the fused path obtained with the proposed approach outperforms any individual sensor data and other paths obtained with an adaptive threshold clustering algorithm in terms of life prediction accuracy.

A Novel Defect Location Method for Plate-Like Structure by Using Forward-Scattering Wave and Fuzzy C-Means Clustering

Ultrasonic guided wave technology combined with sparse transducer array provides an efficient and relatively cost-effective means of defect detection and monitoring for rapid interrogation of large in plate-like structures. However, imaging algorithm used baseline subtraction methods may be compromised under mismatched environment and operational conditions. A defect location method based on forward-scattering wave and fuzzy c-means clustering is proposed in this paper. The distance coefficient including location information between sensor pair using exciting and receiving signal and defect is defined to explain feasibility of the method proposed in this paper. A Parallel line array is evaluated using the method to locate defect. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the influence of mismatched environment and operational conditions on the defect location.

Embedded Capacitance Sensor Array for Structural Health Monitoring of Pipeline Systems

Embedded capacitance sensor arrays for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of piping is explored. Using a capacitive electrode layer system embedded within Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) layers, to detect potential damage and loading conditions. The sensors are comprised of an electrode array, and allow changes in system capacitance to be monitored. Combined with baseline data points, subsequent measurements can provide indication of applied force changes within composite patched or composite reinforced piping, allowing for repair or reinforcement health status monitoring. Unlike traditional sensors which only measure a single point, the proposed approach incorporates an electrode array technique, while capacitive sensing affords the ability to detect minuscule changes in force on the whole pipe surface. Thus, providing detection and monitoring capabilities beyond those currently employed by industry such as optical fiber or strain gauge.

Adoption of the Composite Reinforced Pressure Vessels (CRPV) Into the ASME BPV Code

Adoption of composite reinforced pressure vessels (CRPV) into the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code represented advancement in the technology of pressure vessels. The advantage of this construction technique is that the weight of a CRPV for compressed gas service built may be reduced to about one-half conventional pressure vessel of the same capacity. The concept of hoop wrapping fibers in a plastic composite (>90% fiber fill) makes full utilization of the fiber strength as the fibers share the hoop load with a metal cylinder. With reduced hoop stresses in the metal, a substantial reduction in wall thickness is attainable. The process of adoption of this technology presented several challenges and some robust administrative hurdles. These included coordination with ASME BPV Code Section X for the composite application and Section VIII for the steel design and overall acceptance of the Case. The most vexing technical challenge was the inspection of an unfinished weld on the inside of the shell from the outside of the shell. The next challenge was to gain consensus on the testing criteria for the acceptance of finished vessels. Case 2390 was drafted in the winter of 2000 and spring of 2001 and approved for publication after nine revisions with an approval date of October 9, 2002. The Case was subsequently adopted into the body of ASME BPV Code Section VIII, Division 3 [1] (VIII-3) in the 2010 edition.

Ultrasonic Inspection of Dissimilar Metal Welds for Probabilistic Reliability Assessment of Pipe Welds

There are several sources of uncertainties which need to be considered in a probabilistic reliability and lifetime assessment of safety-relevant components. In addition to the probabilistic distribution of material properties, the size and properties of flaws present in a component contribute to uncertainties in the lifetime analysis. In a current reactor safety research project, a methodology for a probabilistic fracture mechanics assessment of reliability for components with austenitic and dissimilar metal welds will be developed using the combined results from statistical evaluation of material properties and ultrasonic inspection (UT). Dissimilar metal welds present a particular challenge for ultrasonic testing due to the effects of the material anisotropy on ultrasonic propagation and scattering. Evaluation of inspection results is typically done using image-based techniques. As there is no simple relationship between UT response and flaw size, criteria for image evaluation and flaw sizing have to be defined taking into account the influence of various factors such as material and flaw properties on the UT response. In this paper, we present results from a study of the influence of grain structure on the ultrasonic inspection results and discuss the challenges of extracting data for probability of detection (POD) analyses.

Gaseous Deflagration in Piping: Part 2 — Proposed Methods and Code Acceptance Criteria

This paper proposes Piping Code rules to address the effects of hydrogen deflagrations inside piping. Previous work proposed a set of criteria for piping subject to detonation loading [PVP2012-78519, PVP2012-78525]. This paper provides criteria to evaluate the effect of deflagrations, which typically have a slower rise time and lower energy, inside the piping. These deflagration criteria, coupled with the previously cited detonation criteria, are being used at the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant to evaluate piping systems subject to hydrogen accumulation. The previous papers did not investigate or propose criteria for deflagrations, as these were known to have lower pressures and slower pressure rise times, but are still of some significance for piping design. Recent work has shown that there exists a scenario in which the deflagration loading may be very significant: deflagrations in small gas pockets surrounded by large waste slugs. Depending on the assumptions used to develop the loading, the unbalanced forces on piping segments in a long piping system can become high during a deflagration event. Thus, for the set of criteria chosen for deflagration, the deflagration event may become the limiting event, especially if it is the more frequent event. The criteria proposed need to recognize this scenario and guide the user to possible solutions. This paper presents the original methodology for evaluating these “slug” events, briefly discusses the recent testing and theory being pursued to reduce the effect of the loading [PVP2015-45970, PVP2016-63260, PVP2016-63262], and then proposes criteria for evaluating deflagration induced stresses and loads.

Numerical Study of an Impusively Loaded Vessel Containing Double Versus Single Closure Bolt Patterns

Impulsively loaded pressure vessels are often closed using a bolted joint configured in a double staggered row pattern. The bolted joint design must maintain the placement of the vessel opening covers to support the structural integrity of the shell and also provide the necessary preload of sealing surfaces for leak prevention. Good design practice suggests configuring tensile loaded bolted joints with a double rows pattern in order to minimize prying against the bolt head induced by localized moments. Double bolt row patterns allow moments induced by load offsets to be reacted through contact of the faying surfaces of the bolted members and if separation occurs by differential axial loading of the two bolt rows. This acts to reduce direct prying of the mated members against the bolt heads. Material cost and operational time savings could be realized if a single bolt row design with acceptable performance was implemented. In this paper a detailed finite element model is described and calculation results are presented for two vessel configurations subjected to an impulsive load; a double staggered 64 bolt pattern and a single row 32 bolt pattern. Finite element results are compared to each other and to the rules of ASME Code Case 2564 in Section VIII, Division 3. Special attention is given to the loading induced in the bolts and to the relative deflection of faying surfaces containing seals. It will be shown that reducing the bolt count per opening from 64 to 32 results in increased peak response of the bolts, seal opening gaps, and shell. Nonetheless a single row bolt pattern does appear feasible and within the bounds of the Code Case.

Overview of Revisions to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Division 3 for the 2017 Edition and Near Future

This paper provides an overview of the significant revisions pending for the upcoming 2017 edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII Division 3, Alternative Rules for Construction of High Pressure Vessels, as well as potential changes to future editions under consideration of the Subgroup on High Pressure Vessels (SG-HPV). Changes to the 2017 edition include the removal of material information used in the construction of composite reinforced pressure vessels (CRPV); this information has been consolidated to the newly-developed Appendix 10 of ASME BPVC Section X, Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels. Similarly, the development of the ASME CA-1, Conformity Assessment Requirements standard necessitated removal of associated conformity assessment information from Section VIII Division 3. Additionally, requirements for the assembly of pressure vessels at a location other than that listed on the Certificate of Authorization have been clarified with the definitions of “field” and “intermediate” sites. Furthermore, certain design related issues have been addressed and incorporated into the current edition, including changes to the fracture mechanics rules, changes to wires stress limits in wire-wound vessels, and clarification on bolting and end closure requirements. Finally, the removal of Appendix B, Suggested Practice Regarding Post-Construction Requalification for High Pressure Vessels, will be discussed, including a short discussion of the new appendix incorporated into the updated edition of ASME PCC-3, Inspection Planning Using Risk Based Methods. Additionally, this paper discusses some areas in Section VIII Division 3 under consideration for improvement. One such area involves consolidation of material models presented in the book into a central area for easier reference. Another is the clarification of local strain limit analysis and the intended number and types of evaluations needed for the non-linear finite element analyses. The requirements for test locations in prolongations on forgings are also being examined as well as other material that can be used in testing for vessel construction. Finally, a discussion is presented on an ongoing debate regarding “occasional loads” and “abnormal loads”, their current evaluation, and proposed changes to design margins regarding these loads.

Fracture Assessments of High Pressure Vessel Components Having Longitudinal Holes

Small size longitudinal holes are common in components of high pressure vessels. In fracture mechanics evaluation, longitudinal holes have not drawn as much attention as cross-bores. However, longitudinal holes become critical at certain locations for such assessments because of high stress concentration and short distance to vessel component wall. The high stress concentration can be attributed to three parts: global hoop stress that is magnified by the existence of the hole, local stresses due to pressure in the hole, and crack face pressure. In high pressure vessel design, axisymmetric models are used extensively in stress analyses, and their results are subsequently employed to identify critical locations for fracture mechanics evaluation. However, axisymmetric models ignore longitudinal holes and therefore cannot be used to identify the critical location inside the holes. This paper is intended to highlight the importance of including longitudinal holes in fracture mechanics evaluation, and to present a quick and effective way of evaluating high stress concentration at a longitudinal hole using the combined analytical solutions and axisymmetric stress analysis results, identifying critical locations and conducting fracture mechanics evaluation.