Overview of Piping Stress Analysis Using Shell Elements

Abstract

Despite the fact that shell elements more accurately model a piping system, beam elements are mainly used to model piping systems. A beam model makes use of SIFs and flexibility factors to account for local geometries in a piping system. Recent advances in software and computer processing power now make shell modelling a realistic option. This paper will examine some of the practical considerations for how modelling of piping can be improved. This includes improvements to beam modelling as well as shell modelling. Some examples of applications will be presented and discussed. Recommendations and suggestions for using shell elements to model piping are put forward.